A reverse transfection apparatus can be used for introducing siRNA into a cell to effect gene silencing. Such an apparatus can include a well plate having a well configured for transfecting cells. The well can include a substantially dry gene silencing composition that has at least a first siRNA which silences a first target gene. The gene silencing composition can be configured such that the at least first siRNA is capable of being solubilized or suspended in an aqueous medium in an amount sufficient for transfecting cells in the well. Additionally, the at least first siRNA can include a modification or a conjugate. The reverse transfection apparatus can be provided as a kit or system that additionally includes cells, polynucleotide carriers, reverse transfection reagents, and the like.