Noncoding DNA

Definition

Noncoding DNA consists of sequences in the genome that do not code for proteins. These regions have various regulatory and structural functions in the cell.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Noncoding DNA makes up a significant portion of the human genome, comprising about 98-99% of it.
2. Some noncoding DNA regions are involved in regulating gene expression, such as promoters and enhancers.
3. Introns are noncoding sections within genes that are removed during RNA splicing.
4. Telomeres, which protect chromosome ends, are composed of repetitive noncoding DNA sequences.
5. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) molecules, like tRNA and rRNA, play crucial roles in protein synthesis.

Review Questions

Related terms

Promoter:

A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Enhancer: A short region of DNA that can increase transcription levels of genes.

Intron:

A segment of a gene situated between exons that is removed during RNA splicing.