RNA interference (RNAi) is an important process, used by many different organisms to regulate the activity of genes. This animation explains how RNAi works and introduces the two main players: small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). We take you on an audio-visual journey, diving into a cell to show how genes are transcribed to make messenger RNA (mRNA) and how RNAi can silence specific mRNAs to stop them from making proteins. The animation is based on the latest research, to give you an up-to-date view. If you'd like to know more about the structures and processes you see in this video, check out the accompanying slideshow: Sponsor message (May 2014): Dharmacon RNAi products are now part of GE Healthcare. Learn more at Sign up for the Nature Briefing: An essential round-up of science news, opinion and analysis, free in your inbox every weekday.
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