Figure 1.

Comparison of miRNA biogenesis and function in plant and animal. In plants, the pri-miRNAs are synthesized from MIR genes through RNA Pol II and processed to pre-miRNA by DCL-1 protein which further leads to miRNA/miRNA* duplex formation. The duplex is transported from nucleus to cytoplasm and forms mature miRNAs. The mature miRNA binds with AGO protein to regulate the corresponding gene. While in animals, pre-miRNAs is transported to cytoplasm from nucleus and processes further same as in plants. DCL1, Dicer like 1 protein; AGO, Argonaute protein; RISC, RNA-induced silencing complex.