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RNA interference definitions

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  • RNA interference
    A cellular process using noncoding RNAs to silence gene expression by targeting complementary DNA or mRNA, revealing gene function through phenotypic changes.
  • Noncoding RNA
    A type of RNA molecule that does not code for proteins but regulates gene expression by binding to complementary sequences.
  • MicroRNA
    A small noncoding RNA that binds to mRNA, leading to its degradation or blocking translation, thus silencing gene expression.
  • siRNA
    A short, double-stranded RNA that guides protein complexes to complementary mRNA for targeted degradation.
  • shRNA
    A synthetic RNA molecule designed to form a hairpin structure, processed in cells to silence specific genes.
  • Gene knockdown
    A technique reducing gene expression to study gene function by observing resulting cellular changes.
  • Phenotype
    The observable characteristics or traits of a cell or organism, often altered by gene silencing.
  • Complementary sequence
    A nucleotide sequence that can form base pairs with another sequence, enabling specific binding in RNAi.
  • mRNA degradation
    The breakdown of messenger RNA molecules, preventing translation and thus gene expression.
  • Protein complex
    A group of proteins recruited by noncoding RNAs to mediate gene silencing through mRNA or DNA targeting.
  • Gene expression
    The process by which genetic information is used to synthesize proteins, regulated by RNAi mechanisms.
  • Translation
    The cellular process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, which can be blocked by RNAi.
  • Recovery experiment
    A method where a silenced gene is reintroduced to restore the original phenotype, confirming gene function.
  • Cytoskeleton dynamics
    The changes in cell structure and movement, which can be influenced by gene silencing through RNAi.
  • Double-stranded RNA
    A molecule consisting of two complementary RNA strands, serving as a precursor in RNAi pathways.