Resources

List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

siRNA sequence

siRNA, or small interfering RNA, is a type of RNA molecule that plays a critical role in RNA interference (RNAi), a natural cellular process for regulating gene expression and defending against viruses. siRNA sequences are double-stranded RNA molecules, typically about 20-25 nucleotides in length, and are designed to be complementary to a specific messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence in a cell.

When siRNA is introduced into a cell, it undergoes several steps:

1. Incorporation into RISC: The siRNA is incorporated into a protein complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).

2. Strand Separation: Within RISC, the siRNA duplex unwinds, and one strand (the passenger strand) is degraded while the other (the guide strand) remains.

3. Target Recognition: The guide strand of the siRNA is complementary to a specific mRNA sequence. The RISC-siRNA complex binds to this target mRNA through base pairing.

4. mRNA Cleavage: Once bound, the RISC complex cleaves the target mRNA, leading to its degradation. This cleavage prevents the mRNA from being used as a template for protein synthesis.

5. Gene Silencing: The end result is a decrease in the expression of the gene that corresponds to the targeted mRNA. This process is highly specific, as the siRNA sequence must precisely complement the target mRNA sequence for effective silencing.

siRNA sequences are widely used in research to study gene function by "knocking down" the expression of specific genes. They are also being explored for therapeutic purposes, such as treating genetic disorders, viral infections, and cancer. The specificity of siRNA to target particular genes makes it a powerful tool for both basic research and potential medical applications.

Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Gene Synthesis

Offer gene synthesis of 100% sequence guarantee, free codon optimization, DNA synthesis in as fast as 4 days.

ORF cDNA Clones and Custom Clones

Largest commercial ORF clones database, 70,000 next-day shipping ORF clones.

Plasmid DNA Preparation

High quality plasmids supported by fully-automated platform, 100% full insert sequence accuracy guaranteed.

Express Cloning & Subcloning

$49 and 2 day turnaround, choose from over 150 IP FREE vectors.

Mutation and Library Services

Mutagenesis Portfolio offers several mutation and library services to meet various customers’ needs.

Oligo Synthesis

Bridge the gap between chemically synthesized oligos and bological applications.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: [email protected]

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.