The RNAi pathway is initiated by the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into a cell. This dsRNA is processed by an enzyme called Dicer into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These siRNAs are then incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), guiding the complex to complementary mRNA molecules. The RISC then degrades the target mRNA, effectively silencing the gene.
