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NAL Agricultural Thesaurus
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Concept Breadcrumbs

Fields of Study > genetics > molecular genetics > gene expression regulation > gene silencing > RNA interference
Preferred Term:

RNA interference

Definition:
A gene silencing phenomenon whereby specific dsRNAs (RNA, double-stranded) trigger the degradation of homologous mRNA (RNA, messenger). The specific dsRNAs are processed into small interfering RNA (siRNA) which serves as a guide for cleavage of the homologous mRNA in the RNA-induced silencing complex. DNA methylation may also be triggered during this process.
Concept Schemes:
NALT Full
NALT Core
Broader Concept:
gene silencing
Related Concepts:
Entry Terms:
  • posttranscriptional gene silencing
  • RNA silencing
  • RNAi (RNA interference)
  • RNA interference (RNAi)
  • post-transcriptional gene silencing
URI:
https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/42581
Download this Concept:
RDF/XMLCreated 2006-01-19, last modified 2016-03-22
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