Which of the following enzymes are responsible for cleaving and processing miRNAs and siRNAs?

• A. DICER
• B. RISC
• C. Guide RNA enzymes
• D. RNA polymerase II

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of miRNAs and siRNAs: These are small non-coding RNAs that play a role in gene regulation by interfering with the expression of specific genes.
2. Learn about the enzyme DICER: DICER is an RNase III enzyme that processes precursor miRNAs and siRNAs into their mature forms by cleaving them into smaller fragments.
3. Explore the function of RISC: The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is involved in the gene silencing process, but it does not cleave miRNAs or siRNAs. Instead, it uses these small RNAs to guide the complex to target mRNA for degradation or translational repression.
4. Clarify the role of Guide RNA enzymes: These are not directly involved in the cleavage of miRNAs or siRNAs. Guide RNAs are typically associated with directing other processes, such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing.
5. Understand RNA polymerase II: This enzyme is responsible for transcribing DNA into precursor mRNA, not for processing miRNAs or siRNAs.