An Interactive Introduction to Organismal and Molecular Biology, 2021
An Interactive Introduction to Organismal and Molecular Biology, 2021
An Interactive Introduction to Organismal and Molecular Biology, 2021
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166 | PROTEIN SYNTHESIS III: RNA INTERFERENCE<br />
A microRNA gene is transcribed <strong>and</strong> processed in<strong>to</strong> a microRNA. The microRNA might perfectly or<br />
partially match the mRNA, preventing protein synthesis.<br />
The miRNA directs the protein complex <strong>to</strong> “matching” mRNA molecules (ones that form base pairs with the<br />
miRNA). When the RNA-protein complex binds. 2<br />
• If the miRNA <strong>and</strong> its target match perfectly, an enzyme in the RNA-protein complex will typically chop<br />
the mRNA in half, leading <strong>to</strong> its breakdown.<br />
• If the miRNA <strong>and</strong> its target have some mismatches, the RNA-protein complex may instead bind <strong>to</strong> the<br />
mRNA <strong>and</strong> keep it from being translated.<br />
These are not the only ways that miRNAs inhibit expression of their targets <strong>and</strong> scientists are still investigating<br />
their many modes of action. 3
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