RNA interference (RNAi)

Extra Credit

Part 1: Nova ScienceNOW: RNAi clip Part 2: RNAi Explained interactive Part 3: RNAi Medical Applications

Hints and Notes: The video clips and animations may take a while to download. Be patient, or try to find a faster connection.

 

Part 1  Nova ScienceNOW-RNAi

Watch this 15-minute video segment on RNA interference:

NOVA scienceNOW RNAi PBS

Don't forget to take notes.  The questions below will help you focus on some of the important points.

HINTS: Use the "pause" and "rewind" buttons on the toolbar of your media window to stop and start the program so you can take notes and answer questions along the way.  Have a window open in which you can type your answers--if you type more quickly than you write.  Answer questions as stated in the clip--I'll be asking you about the ideas presented in the clip, not other sources.  More hints!

What does the acronym RNAi stand for? What does the purple petunia have to do with RNAi? Where is DNA in the cell?  RNA? Why is RNA like a recipe? Why is a ribosome like a cook? Why is the RNAi mechanism like a cop? How does RNAi stop virus attacks in the cell? When did science discover the RNAi mechanism? How can RNAi be used therapeutically? The woman in the clip was treated for what condition with RNAi? Was her treatment successful? Has RNAi treatment for disease been successful in laboratory mice? What diseases might RNAi be used to treat? What is the "best" current use of RNAi in human science?

More Hints:

• For an overview, go to NOVA Online Teachers Program Overview NOVA scienceNOW RNAi PBS
• You can view or print the transcript at  NOVA Transcripts NOVA scienceNOW July 26, 2005 PBS

 

Part 2  RNAi Explained Interactive Activity

Watch this animated segment on RNA interference:

RNAi interactive

Don't forget to take notes.  I'll ask questions as well as ask you to arrange the steps in the correct order.

Then review the slide-summary of RNAi at this site:

RNA Interference

 

Part 3  RNAi Medical Applications

Review this brief article listing some medical applications of RNAi:

NOVA scienceNOW The RNAi Cure PBS

Dr. Greg Hannon, interviewed in the clip in Part 1, gives answers to questions about RNAi in this article:

NOVA scienceNOW RNAi Ask the Expert PBS

Use your written notes/answers and links above to complete
the online quiz X RNAi on WebCT.