The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 BT – Question 27

Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology · Molecular Biology: Replication, transcription, splicing, translation, non-coding and micro RNA, RNA interference, DNA damage and repair · 1 mark · Multiple choice

The process using RNA-induced silencing complex to block gene expression is

  1. RNA editing
  2. RNA interference
  3. RNA polyadenylation
  4. RNA splicing

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) RNA interference

Explanation

The **RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)** contains an Argonaute protein loaded with a short guide RNA (siRNA or miRNA). The guide RNA pairs with a complementary mRNA, and the complex either cleaves it or blocks its translation. This silences the gene after transcription.

This pathway is called **RNA interference (RNAi)**.

The others are different processes: RNA editing changes bases in an RNA, polyadenylation adds the poly(A) tail, and splicing removes introns.

Answer **RNA interference** (B).