Non-coding

Non-coding DNA is a sequence of DNA that does not contain instructions for making protein. These sequences are not transcribed into mRNA, and are therefore not translated into amino acids and proteins. Non-coding DNA makes up a significant portion of the genome in many organisms, including humans.

Function

While non-coding DNA does not code for proteins, it has several important functions. Some non-coding DNA sequences are involved in regulating gene expression, while others have structural roles in the chromosome. Non-coding DNA can also protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation, and some sequences are involved in the process of DNA replication.

Types of Non-coding DNA

There are several types of non-coding DNA, including introns, pseudogenes, and transposable elements. Introns are sequences of DNA within a gene that are not included in the final mRNA transcript. Pseudogenes are sequences of DNA that resemble functional genes but are not transcribed or translated. Transposable elements are sequences of DNA that can move around the genome.

Evolution

The presence of non-coding DNA in the genome has been a subject of debate among evolutionary biologists. Some argue that non-coding DNA is largely junk DNA, while others believe that it has important functions that are not yet fully understood. The fact that non-coding DNA makes up a large portion of the genome in many organisms suggests that it may have important evolutionary functions.

See also

• Junk DNA
• Gene expression
• DNA replication

Non-coding Resources
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