Nobel Prize 2024 in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun For “the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation”.
Nobel Prize 2024 in Physiology winner Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. Their groundbreaking discovery in the small worm C. elegans revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation. This turned out to be essential for multicellular organisms, including humans.
MicroRNAs are proving to be fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function.
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About MicroRNAs:
microRNA is the name of molecules family that helps cells control the kinds and amounts of proteins they make. The cells use microRNA to help control gene expression. Molecules of microRNA are found in cells and in the bloodstream.
Practice MCQs:
1. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for?
(A) Discovery of DNA
(B) Discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation
(C) Invention of CRISPR technology
(D) Discovery of ribosomes
Answer: (B) Discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation
Explanation: Ambros and Ruvkun were recognized for discovering microRNAs, which regulate genes post-transcriptionally and are crucial for multicellular organisms.
2. The microRNAs discovered by Ambros and Ruvkun are significant because they:
(A) Encode proteins
(B) Control gene expression after transcription
(C) Repair damaged DNA
(D) Are involved in the photosynthesis
Answer: (B) Control gene expression after transcription
Explanation: MicroRNAs regulate the expression of genes by controlling their activity after the transcription process, which is essential for organism development.
The microRNAs discovered by Ambros and Ruvkun are significant because they control the translation and degradation of mRNA in the cytoplasm.
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3. The discovery of microRNAs was initially made in which organism?
(A) Fruit fly
(B) Mouse
(C) C. elegans
(D) Yeast
Answer: (C) C. elegans (a small worm)
Explanation: Ambros and Ruvkun discovered microRNAs in the nematode C. elegans, revealing a new principle in gene regulation. miRNAs were discovered in 1993 by Lee and colleagues in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
4. Why are microRNAs considered crucial for multicellular organisms?
(A) They prevent protein folding errors
(B) They transport nutrients across cells
(C) They directly bind to DNA
(D) They regulate genes essential for development and function
Answer: (D) They regulate genes essential for development and function
Explanation: MicroRNAs are fundamental for controlling the development and proper functioning of multicellular organisms by fine-tuning gene expression.
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