BCM6225 RNAi and RISC

RNA interference (RNAi)

This is a cellular response to the presence of dsRNA that results in the sequence-specific degradation of mRNA.

Reverse genetics

This is a tool for molecular genetic investigation utilizing RNAi.

small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)

These are dsRNA molecules synthesized in the laboratory.

Dicer

This is an enzyme that cuts dsRNA into fragments 20-25 bp long with 2-3 bp overhangs.

RNA-inducing silencing complex (RISC)

This is a multi-protein machine that binds to siRNAs and breaks H-bonds between the 2 strands; catalyzes cleavage of mRNA.

knockdown

siRNAs can be synthesized and introduced into cells to target specific genes for?

Interferon response

dsRNA triggers an ________ response (a type of immune response) in vertebrates which stops protein synthesis and can induce cell death.

True.

Primitive organisms use RNAi to protect themselves from virus infections.

T or F?

dsRNA from a virus activates the protein complexes Dicer and RISC and the infection is stopped

How does RNAi function as an antiviral mechanism?

Gel Mobility Shift Assay

This is an assay to determine in vitro binding of a protein tto DNA.

acrylamide

Protein and "hot" DNA can be mixed and run on an ___ gel.

Unbound DNA

___ DNA runs at a speed that correlates with its size.

Bound DNA

___ DNA runs slower through the gel.