Through a generation darkly: small RNAs in the gametophyte
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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

RNA Interference in Aquatic Beetles as a Powerful Tool for Manipulating Gene Expression at Specific Developmental Time Points
Published on: May 29, 2020
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK. robert.grant-downton@plants.ox.ac.uk
Abstract:
The various classes of small non-coding RNAs are a fundamentally important component of the transcriptome. These molecules have roles in many essential processes such as regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, guidance of DNA methylation and defence against selfish replicators such as transposons. Their diversity and functions in the sporophytic generation of angiosperms is well explored compared with the gametophytic generation, where little is known about them. Recent progress in understanding their abundance, diversity and function in the gametophyte is reviewed.
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This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...

