Intergenic regions

Definition

Intergenic regions are non-coding sequences of DNA found between genes. They play roles in gene regulation and genome organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intergenic regions do not code for proteins but can contain regulatory elements like enhancers and silencers.
2. They can influence the expression of neighboring genes by serving as binding sites for transcription factors.
3. The length of intergenic regions can vary significantly among different organisms and even within the same genome.
4. Some intergenic regions contain non-coding RNAs, which are involved in various cellular processes.
5. Mutations in intergenic regions can lead to diseases if they disrupt regulatory elements that control gene expression.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of intergenic regions?
• How can mutations in intergenic regions affect cellular function?
• What types of regulatory elements might be found within intergenic regions?

Related terms

Promoter: A DNA sequence that initiates gene transcription.

Enhancer: A short region of DNA that increases the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA): RNA molecules that are not translated into proteins but have roles in gene regulation and other cellular processes.