First, let’s step back and consider that each mosquito is made up of many cells. In order for each cell to survive, it needs to make essential proteins. The proteins are made when genes (made of DNA) are converted into RNA and subsequently the RNA is converted into protein.
DNA → RNA → Protein … Happy cell
However, when the self-limiting gene (DNA) is made into a protein, the self-limiting protein is able to block the process of converting DNA into RNA.
DNA -X RNA -X Protein … dead cells, dead mosquito
Without RNA, proteins aren’t made, the cells die, and the mosquito dies too."
"But how does the self-limiting gene work?
First, let’s step back and consider that each mosquito is made up of many cells. In order for each cell to survive, it needs to make essential proteins. The proteins are made when genes (made of DNA) are converted into RNA and subsequently the RNA is converted into protein.
DNA → RNA → Protein … Happy cell
However, when the self-limiting gene (DNA) is made into a protein, the self-limiting protein is able to block the process of converting DNA into RNA.
DNA -X RNA -X Protein … dead cells, dead mosquito
Without RNA, proteins aren’t made, the cells die, and the mosquito dies too."
[0] https://stringsblog.com/2017/06/19/how-it-works-a-self-limit...