RNAi: Slicing, dicing and serving your cells - Alex Dainis
376,186 Views
12,659 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
RNA, the genetic messenger, makes sure the DNA recipe gives your cells exactly what they ordered. But sometimes that means inhibiting some other RNA that got the recipe wrong. This process is called RNA interference (RNAi), and it acts as a self-correcting system within the complicated genetic kitchen of your body. Alex Dainis explains the importance -- and exciting potential -- of RNAi.
Scientists hope to use RNAi to help treat conditions caused by single gene mutations. These mutations would create incorrect RNA, which would in turn create malformed proteins. Explain how introducing long, double-stranded RNA that matches the gene into a cell could help knock down the effects of these malformed proteins.
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Alex Dainis
- Director Veronica Wallenberg
- Animator Johan Sonestedt
- Narrator Alex Dainis
