SiRNA
SiRNA
SiRNA (pronounced as /siː aɪ ɑːr ɛn eɪ/), or Small Interfering RNA, is a class of double-stranded RNA molecules, 20-25 base pairs in length, that play a significant role in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, where they interfere with the expression of specific genes.
Etymology
The term "SiRNA" stands for "Small Interfering RNA". It was coined to describe the small RNA molecules that are involved in the RNA interference pathway. The term "interfering" refers to the molecule's ability to interfere with gene expression.
Function
SiRNA molecules are involved in the RNA interference pathway, where they interfere with the expression of specific genes. They do this by binding to and promoting the degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, which carry the genetic information from the DNA to the protein-making machinery of the cell. This prevents the mRNA from being translated into protein, effectively silencing the gene.
Related Terms
- RNA interference (RNAi): A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules.
- Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA): RNA with two complementary strands, similar to the DNA found in all cells.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA): A large family of RNA molecules that convey genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where they specify the amino acid sequence of the protein products of gene expression.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on SiRNA
- Wikipedia's article - SiRNA
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