Antisense RNA
Antisense RNA
Antisense RNA (pronounced: an-tee-sense RNA) is a type of RNA molecule that is complementary to a specific mRNA molecule. In other words, it is the "opposite" or "antisense" strand to the mRNA, which is used as a template for protein synthesis.
Etymology
The term "antisense" comes from the fact that this RNA molecule is the reverse complement of the "sense" strand of DNA, which is the strand that is transcribed into mRNA. The "RNA" part of the term refers to the fact that this molecule is made of ribonucleic acid, the same material that makes up mRNA.
Function
Antisense RNA molecules can bind to their complementary mRNA molecules and prevent them from being translated into protein. This process is known as gene silencing, and it is one way that cells can control the amount of protein that they produce. Antisense RNA can also be used by researchers to selectively turn off specific genes, in a technique known as antisense therapy.
Related Terms
- Sense strand: The DNA strand that is transcribed into mRNA.
- Gene silencing: The process by which cells prevent certain genes from being expressed.
- Antisense therapy: A technique used by researchers to selectively turn off specific genes.
- RNA interference: A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antisense RNA
- Wikipedia's article - Antisense RNA
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