RNAi: Slicing, dicing and serving your cells - Alex Dainis
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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.
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Alex Dainis
- Director Veronica Wallenberg
- Animator Johan Sonestedt
- Narrator Alex Dainis
