Podcast
Questions and Answers
Explain the regulatory role of miRNAs in the human genome and how many miRNAs are currently known to be encoded by the human genome.
Explain the regulatory role of miRNAs in the human genome and how many miRNAs are currently known to be encoded by the human genome.
miRNAs are assumed to regulate the expression of several genes, and it is hypothesized that up to one-third of human genes are regulated by miRNAs. The human genome may encode well over 1500 different miRNAs, and the number known is rising rapidly.
Describe the characteristics of a miRNA and how it is transcribed in the human genome.
Describe the characteristics of a miRNA and how it is transcribed in the human genome.
A miRNA is a form of single-stranded (ss)RNA typically 20-25 nucleotides long. They are transcribed from DNA, but are not translated into protein. The DNA sequence that codes for a miRNA gene is longer than the miRNA.
What is the significance of the length and functionality of miRNAs in the context of gene regulation?
What is the significance of the length and functionality of miRNAs in the context of gene regulation?
The short length of miRNAs (20-25 nucleotides) allows them to regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. It is hypothesized that up to one-third of human genes are regulated by miRNAs, demonstrating their significant role in gene regulation.
