The Question is from neet-botany biotechnology biotechnological-applications-in-medicine, and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for gene silencing.  Which molecule plays the CENTRAL role in the RNAi pathway by guiding the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to its target mRNA?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism
 **Related Topics**: Gene silencing, microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), mRNA degradation
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of molecular biology, RNA types, and gene expression.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks about the central molecule guiding RISC to target mRNA in the RNAi pathway.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Understand the RNAi pathway: RNAi involves the silencing of gene expression through the degradation or translational repression of target mRNA molecules.
		Reasoning:  The pathway is initiated by either siRNA or miRNA, which are both short RNA molecules.
		Formula/Rule: N/A
	2. Identify the molecule guiding RISC:  The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is a protein complex that binds to short RNA molecules (siRNA or miRNA) and uses them as a guide to target complementary mRNA molecules.
		Working: siRNAs and miRNAs are both involved in RNAi, but siRNAs are more directly involved in guiding RISC to the target mRNA.  miRNAs can also guide RISC, but often lead to translational repression rather than direct degradation.
		Key Point:  While miRNAs play a role, siRNAs are central to the process of guiding RISC to the target mRNA for degradation.
	3. Determine the central molecule:  Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is the molecule that directly guides the RISC complex.
		Result: Small interfering RNA (siRNA)
		Verification:  The siRNA sequence is perfectly complementary to the target mRNA, ensuring specific targeting by the RISC complex.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: MicroRNA (miRNA): miRNAs are involved in RNAi, but their role is often more nuanced, involving translational repression rather than direct mRNA degradation.  They don't always directly guide RISC to target mRNA for degradation as efficiently as siRNAs.
B :x: Messenger RNA (mRNA): mRNA is the target of RNAi, not the guiding molecule.
C ✓: Small interfering RNA (siRNA): siRNAs are the central molecules in RNAi that directly guide RISC to the target mRNA for degradation.
D :x: Transfer RNA (tRNA): tRNAs are involved in protein synthesis, not RNA interference.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing siRNA and miRNA roles:  Understanding the subtle differences in their mechanisms is crucial.
			How to avoid:  Focus on the direct targeting and degradation aspect of siRNA versus the more complex regulatory roles of miRNA.
		2. Focusing on the overall RNAi pathway instead of the central guiding molecule:
			How to avoid:  Carefully read the question and identify the specific role being asked about (guiding RISC).
 **Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember that siRNA is a perfect match for the target mRNA, directly guiding RISC to it.
		2.  Think of siRNA as the 'address label' on a package (mRNA) that the delivery service (RISC) uses to find its destination.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

MicroRNA (miRNA)

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "Small interfering RNA (siRNA)"

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

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