The process in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) direct the cleavage of target mRNAs. Once incorporated into a RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), a siRNA will typically direct cleavage by base pairing with perfect or near-perfect complementarity to the target mRNA.

The cell cycle process in which replicated homologous chromosomes are organized and then physically separated and apportioned to two sets during the mitotic cell cycle. Each replicated chromosome, composed of two sister chromatids, aligns at the cell equator, paired with its homologous partner. One homolog of each morphologic type goes into each of the resulting chromosome sets.

The process in which double-stranded RNAs silence cognate genes. Involves posttranscriptional gene inactivation ('silencing') both of transgenes or dsRNA introduced into a germline, and of the host gene(s) homologous to the transgenes or dsRNA. This silencing is triggered by the introduction of transgenes or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and can occur through a specific decrease in the level of mRNA, or by negative regulation of translation, of both host genes and transgenes.

The aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of components to form a P granule.

A highly compacted molecule of DNA and associated proteins resulting in a cytologically distinct nuclear chromosome.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

A small cytoplasmic, non-membranous RNA/protein complex aggregates in the primordial germ cells of many higher eukaryotes.

The intracellular plane, located halfway between the poles of the spindle, where chromosomes align during metaphase of mitotic or meiotic nuclear division.