RNAi (RNA interference)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural cellular process that controls gene expression by using small RNA molecules to "silence" specific genes. These small RNAs bind to messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic instructions for making proteins. When bound, they prevent the mRNA from being used to produce proteins, effectively turning off that gene’s activity. This mechanism helps cells regulate their functions, defend against viruses, and can be harnessed in research and medicine to selectively block harmful genes or study gene functions.