Question

How might an RNA-based genome result in an increased infection rate? What are some potential complications to this infection strategy?

Answer 1

Answer:

I think the question is "How might an RNA-based genome results display an increased in infection rate?" because current statement doesn't convey a message clearly.

Explanation:

To answer this question, we need to understand first that what is gene expression. Gene expression is a process in which genetic information is transcribed first to RNA and then into proteins. During transcription stage, only active genes would be transcribed to RNA and all other DNA material don't transcribe at all. Now, if there is an infection, host cell would express only those genes which would actively take part in the defense mechanism, e.g. R-genes, genes involved in production of reactive oxygen species, etc. Hence, to monitor the infection rate, we will look at the RNA-based genome. To do this, we will extract the total RNA and then would sequence it. Then we will annotate the genes and check the relative abundance (differential expression). Finally, we would have a clear that these genes were active against the infection. By doing temporal sampling and sequencing, we would be able to measure the rate as well.

For the second part, potential complications that could arise in doing analysis is the lower amount of RNA, or rapid degradation of RNA in case of presence of RNAses. RNA can be degraded easily at room temperature.