Gene silencing
Understand the Problem
The question relates to the concept of gene silencing, which is a biological process that regulates the expression of genes. It often involves mechanisms such as RNA interference and transcriptional gene silencing.
Answer
Gene silencing is the inhibition or reduction of gene expression through epigenetic changes or other molecular methods.
Gene silencing is the process through which the expression of a gene is inhibited or reduced, often through epigenetic modifications. It can occur at transcriptional or translational levels and can involve mechanisms like microRNAs, RNA interference (RNAi), and other molecular processes.
Answer for screen readers
Gene silencing is the process through which the expression of a gene is inhibited or reduced, often through epigenetic modifications. It can occur at transcriptional or translational levels and can involve mechanisms like microRNAs, RNA interference (RNAi), and other molecular processes.
More Information
Gene silencing has practical applications in research and medicine, including gene therapy and functional genomics. By controlling gene expression, researchers can study gene function and develop treatments for diseases linked to gene expression anomalies.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing gene silencing with gene knockout. Silencing reduces or prevents expression without altering genetic sequence, while knockout involves removing or disrupting the gene.
Sources
- Gene silencing is generally defined as an epigenetic modification - sciencedirect.com
- Gene silencing - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Gene Silencing - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov