Answer
Imperfect base-pairing in miRNAs is crucial for regulating translation. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs. Perfect base-pairing between the miRNA and mRNA would lead to mRNA degradation. However, imperfect base-pairing allows the miRNA to bind to multiple target mRNAs, resulting in translational repression rather than degradation. This fine-tuning of gene expression allows for precise control of cellular processes and development.