Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of

Options

A. short interfering RNA (RNAi)
B. antisense RNA
C. by both
D. none of the above

Answer

To solve the question "Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of," we will break down the process of gene silencing and identify the correct answer based on our understanding of the mechanisms involved.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gene Silencing**:
- Gene silencing refers to the process of inhibiting the expression of a specific gene. This can be achieved through various molecular techniques.

2. **Identifying Mechanisms of Gene Silencing**:
- One of the most well-known mechanisms of gene silencing is RNA interference (RNAi). This process is crucial in regulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

3. **Role of RNA in Gene Silencing**:
- RNA interference involves the use of small RNA molecules that can bind to complementary mRNA sequences. This binding prevents the mRNA from being translated into proteins.

4. **Types of RNA Involved**:
- The two main types of small RNA involved in RNA interference are:
- **Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)**: These are short double-stranded RNA molecules that can induce the degradation of mRNA.
- **Antisense RNA**: This is a single-stranded RNA that is complementary to the mRNA and can also inhibit its translation.

5. **Formation of RISC Complex**:
- The siRNA is incorporated into a complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). This complex is responsible for the actual silencing of the target mRNA.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above understanding, the correct answer to the question is that gene silencing can be achieved through the use of **small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)**, as they play a direct role in the RNA interference mechanism.

### Final Answer:
Silencing of a gene could be achieved through the use of **small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)**.

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