(A) RNAi is a cellular defence mechanism in all eukaryotes (B) RNAi is...
RNAi and its cellular defense mechanism in eukaryotesRNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful cellular defense mechanism found in all eukaryotic organisms. It is a process by which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, resulting in the silencing of specific genes. RNAi plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, protecting against viral infections, and maintaining genome stability.
Statement A: RNAi is a cellular defense mechanism in all eukaryotes
Statement A is correct. RNAi is indeed a cellular defense mechanism that is present in all eukaryotic organisms. It is a conserved mechanism that has been observed in a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi.
Statement B: RNAi is silencing of transcription
Statement B is incorrect. RNAi is not the silencing of transcription, but rather the silencing of gene expression or translation. It occurs at the post-transcriptional level and involves the degradation or inhibition of specific RNA molecules.
Explanation:
RNAi involves a complex mechanism that begins with the production of small RNA molecules, known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or microRNAs (miRNAs). These small RNAs are generated from larger RNA molecules, such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or hairpin-loop structures within RNA transcripts.
The small RNAs are then incorporated into a protein complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The RISC complex binds to the target RNA molecules, leading to their degradation or inhibition. This prevents the target genes from being translated into proteins, effectively silencing their expression.
The RNAi mechanism serves various important functions in eukaryotes. It plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during development, controlling cellular processes, and maintaining genome stability. Additionally, RNAi acts as a defense mechanism against viral infections by targeting and degrading viral RNA molecules.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, RNAi is a cellular defense mechanism present in all eukaryotic organisms. It involves the silencing of gene expression or translation through the action of small RNA molecules and protein complexes. However, it is important to note that RNAi is not the silencing of transcription itself, but rather acts at the post-transcriptional level.