Introns are non-coding sequences of DNA within a gene that are removed during RNA splicing. They do not encode protein sequences and are transcribed into pre-mRNA but not translated into proteins.
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Introns are found in eukaryotic genes but are generally absent in prokaryotes.
During RNA splicing, introns are removed from the pre-mRNA, and exons are joined together to form mature mRNA.
The presence of introns allows for alternative splicing, which can produce multiple protein variants from a single gene.
Introns often contain regulatory elements that can influence gene expression.
Mutations in intron regions can affect splicing and lead to various genetic disorders.
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Related terms
Exon: Coding sequences of DNA within a gene that remain in the mRNA after RNA splicing and code for proteins.
RNA Splicing: The process by which introns are removed from pre-mRNA and exons are joined to form mature mRNA.
Alternative Splicing: A mechanism by which different combinations of exons are joined together to produce multiple mRNA variants from a single gene.