Question

Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of

• A. RNAI only
• B. Antisense RNA only
• C. Both RNAi and antisense RNA
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Both RNAi and antisense RNA

RNAi takes place in all eukaryotic organisms as a method of cellular defense. This method involves silencing of a specific mRNA due to a complementary dsRNA molecule that binds to and prevents translation of the mRNA (silencing). The source of this complementary RNA could be from an infection by viruses having RNA genomes or mobile genetic elements (transposons) that replicate via an RNA intermediate.

So, the correct answer is 'Both RNAi and antisense RNA'.