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Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs)

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

siRNAs are small pieces of double-stranded RNA with two nucleotides overhanging at each 3’ end. They interfere with the expression of specific genes with complementary nucleotide sequences by degrading mRNA after transcription, preventing translation.

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