Chapter 17 - Learning Objectives

Describe the ability of ncRNAs to bind to other molecules (see Figure 17.1)
 DNA binding
 mRNA binding
 Protein Binding
 Small Molecule binding
List the general functions of ncRNAs (page 413).
 SCAFFOLD:
o Multiple binding sites makes ncRNA act as scaffold for
complex formation
 GUIDE:
o Can guide one molecule to a specific location in a cell
o EX: ncRNA has a binding site for protein and another
binding site for DNA
 PROTEIN FUNCTION/STABILITY ALTERATION:
o Can affect proteins ability to act as catalyst
o Ability of protein to bind to another molecule (protein,
DNA, or RNA)
o Protein stability
 RIBOZYME: RNA molecule with catalytic function
o EX: RNaseP functions as endonuclease that cleaves tRNA,
reducing its size
 BLOCKER:
o May physically block or prevent a cellular process from
happening
 DECOY:
o Some ncRNAs recognize other ncRNAs and sequester them,
thereby preventing them from working
Explain how HOTAIR inhibits transcription (see Figure 17.2).
 Alters chromatin structure→ represses transcription by guiding
histone-modifying complexes to target genes
 PRC2 binds to 5’ of HOTAIR→LSD1 complex binds to 3’ end
 HOTAIR binds to GA-rich region next to target gene
 PRC2 trimethylates H3K27→ LSD1 demethylates H3K4
 Modifications directly inhibit transcription or may lead to further
changes in chromatin structure
Analyze the results of Fire and Mello and describe how they are consistent with the idea that
double-stranded RNA is a more potent inhibitor of mRNA compared to antisense RNA (see
Figure 17.3).
i. RESULTS:
a. Embryos with antisense had decreased mex-3 mRNA
b. Embryos with double-stranded RNA had NO mex-3 mRNA
 ii. DOUBLE STRANDED RNA IS MORE POTENT AT SILENCING mRNA THAN
ITS ANTISENSE RNA
a. Double stranded RNA caused mex-3 mRNA to be degraded
iii. RNAinterference
a. Double-stranded RNA causes the silencing of mRNA
Describe the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi)(see Figure 17.4).
i. miRNA is synthesized as pri-miRNA in nucleus
ii. pri-miRNA forms hairpin and recognized in nucleus by DROSHA & DGCR8 and is
cleaved→ pri-miRNA is exported from nucleus
iii. pre-miRNA or pre-siRNA is recognized by dicer and cut into double stranded RNA (20-
25bp)
iv. double stranded RNA is recognized by protein that associates with other proteins to form
RISC
a. one RNA strand is degraded
v. RISC recognizes specific cellular mRNAs due to complementary sequences
vi. mRNA is sent to p-body where it’s stored and later reused or degraded
vii. other mRNA is degraded
Explain how the CRISPR-Cas system provides bacteria with defense against bacteriophages (see
Figure 17.7).
 must first be exposed to a bacteriophage to elicit a response
 ADAPTATION:
o Once a bacterial cell has become adapted to a bacteriophage, traits are passed to
daughters
o Cleaving bacteriophage DNA into pieces lets adaptation phase protect bacterial
cell by inactivating the phage
 EXPRESSION:
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