Question

Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of

• A. Short interfering RNA (RNAi)
• B. Antisense RNA
• C. by Both A & B
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Gene silencing refers to techniques used to reduce or eliminate the expression of a specific gene, typically by interfering with its messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript.

Let's analyze the options: 

• Short interfering RNA (RNAi): RNA interference is a natural biological process where small RNA molecules regulate gene expression. In the context of gene silencing technology, synthetic short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are introduced into cells. These siRNAs are designed to be complementary to the target mRNA sequence. They are incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which then finds and cleaves the target mRNA, or inhibits its translation, thereby silencing the gene. This is a valid method for gene silencing.
• Antisense RNA: Antisense technology uses short, synthetic single-stranded nucleic acid sequences (antisense oligonucleotides, which can be RNA or DNA) that are complementary to a specific region of the target mRNA. When the antisense molecule binds to the mRNA, it forms a duplex. This duplex can physically block the ribosome from translating the mRNA or can make the mRNA susceptible to degradation by cellular enzymes (like RNase H if a DNA-RNA hybrid is formed). This interference prevents protein production, thus silencing the gene. This is also a valid method for gene silencing.
• by Both A & B: Since both RNAi (using siRNA) and Antisense RNA are established methods used to achieve gene silencing by targeting mRNA, this option is correct.
• None of the above: This is incorrect because both A and B are valid methods.

Therefore, silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of both Short interfering RNA (RNAi) and Antisense RNA.

Answer 2

Gene silencing can be achieved through the use of both short interfering RNA (RNAi) and antisense RNA. These methods are used to suppress the expression of specific genes by targeting and degrading the mRNA or inhibiting its translation.

• Short interfering RNA (RNAi): It is a mechanism that uses small RNA molecules to silence the expression of specific genes by inducing the degradation of their mRNA.
• Antisense RNA: It is a complementary RNA molecule that binds to the target mRNA, preventing its translation into a protein.

Since both A (RNAi) and B (Antisense RNA) are methods for gene silencing, the correct answer is:

The correct answer is (C) : by Both A & B.