RNA Interference

Resource Type
Description
This tutorial describes how RNA interference was discovered, how it works, and potential applications to treating disease.
Scientists first described the process of RNA interference (RNAi), the silencing of gene expression by short double-stranded RNA molecules, in plants and worms. The process was then shown to occur in many animals. In this Click & Learn, students learn how the process works in cells and how scientists could use it to silence genes involved in disease.
The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.
Student Learning Targets
Explain how RNA interference can be used to regulate gene expression.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
ATP, Caenorhabditis elegans, Dicer, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), laboratory technique, messenger RNA (mRNA), petunia, RNAi, RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), small interfering RNA (siRNA)
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1, HS-LS4-4; SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
IST-1.A, IST-1.N; SP1
IB Biology (2016)
2.7, 7.2
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9
Vision and Change (2009)
CC2; DP1