Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a class of double-stranded RNA molecules, typically 20-25 base pairs in length, that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. They function by guiding the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) targets, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. This process is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and can influence the central dogma of molecular biology by effectively silencing specific genes and preventing their expression.
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