Refers to antisense RNA strand because its sequence of nucleotides is the complement of message sense. When mRNA forms a duplex with a complementary antisense RNA sequence, translation of the mRNA into the protein is blocked. This may slow or halt the growth of cancer cells.
A strand of DNA that has the same sequence as (i.e., is complementary to) messenger RNA. In genetic targeting using antisense molecules to block “bad” genes), antisense molecules are used to bind to a “bad” gene (e.g., an oncogene) messenger RNA (mRNA), thus cancelling the (cancer-causing) message of the gene and preventing cells from following its (tumor growth) instructions. Another example would be the use of antisense DNA to block the gene that codes for production of polygalacturonase (an enzyme that causes ripe fruit to soften).
Stands of genetic material having a matching nit reversed order of nucleic acids. In a typical double-standard molecule of DNA, one stand, called “sense” strand, code for the messenger RNA; the matching strand of DNA is the antisense strand.