RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex)

The RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) is a group of proteins and RNA that plays a crucial role in gene regulation. When a cell detects RNA from a virus or unwanted genes, RISC helps silence this harmful RNA. It binds to the target RNA and either cuts it up or prevents it from being translated into protein. This process is vital for protecting the cell from viruses and maintaining normal cellular function. Essentially, RISC acts as a defense mechanism, selectively turning off genes that could be detrimental to the cell’s health.