16. Which of the following is the primary biological function of microRNAS (miRNAs) in eukaryotic cells? (A) To serve as templates for the synthesis of small interfering RNAs (siRNAS) during immune response. (B) To promote the splicing of pre-mRNA by recognizing intron-exon junctions. (C) To regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or mRNA degradation. (D) To act as ribozymes that catalyze peptide bond formation during protein synthesis. (E) To serve as direct messengers in the nucleus that enhance transcription by interacting with RNA polymerase II.