What happens to mRNA when bases are complementary to miRNA or siRNA?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the interaction between mRNA and miRNA or siRNA, specifically what occurs to the mRNA when there are complementary bases. This implies a understanding of genetic regulation and RNA processes.
Answer
The complementary binding activates AGO2, causing mRNA cleavage which results in degradation.
When mRNA bases are complementary to miRNA or siRNA, the AGO2 protein is activated, leading to the cleavage of the mRNA's phosphodiester backbone between bases 10 and 11 from the guide strand's 5' end. The mRNA fragments are then degraded by exonucleases.
Answer for screen readers
When mRNA bases are complementary to miRNA or siRNA, the AGO2 protein is activated, leading to the cleavage of the mRNA's phosphodiester backbone between bases 10 and 11 from the guide strand's 5' end. The mRNA fragments are then degraded by exonucleases.
More Information
The process of gene silencing through mRNA degradation is a key way cells regulate gene expression. It allows cells to respond to various cues and maintain homeostasis.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the functions of miRNA and siRNA. miRNAs typically act in translational repression and mRNA degradation often through imperfect pairing, while siRNA often pairs perfectly, leading to direct cleavage.
Sources
- Recognition of mRNA targets by siRNA and miRNA - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mechanisms of Gene Regulation by miRNAs and siRNAs - sciencedirect.com
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