junk DNA
Noncoding genetic material
Junk DNA refers to portions of the genome that don't code for proteins and were once thought to serve no function.
The term emerged when scientists assumed these sequences—comprising most human DNA—were evolutionary leftovers.
Research has since revealed that much "junk" DNA plays regulatory roles, making the label increasingly contested: What we called junk DNA turns out to be anything but.
Non-coding DNA stretches
- telomeresProtective chromosome termini
- centromeresChromosome constriction points
- microsatellitesBrief repetitive DNA sequences
- enhancersThings that intensify
Managing when DNA activates
- epigeneticsHeritable expression changes, sequence intact
- gene expressionDNA to functional product
- methylationAttaching a methyl group
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
Permanent DNA alteration
- genetic driftRandom allele frequency change
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- phylogeneticsScience of ancestral relationships
Something hard to fathom
- puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity
- unexploredNot yet investigated
- terra incognitaUnexplored or unknown region
- scientific frontierEdge of known science
Complete genetic blueprint endeavor
- genome sequencingReading complete DNA sequence
- bioinformaticsComputational analysis of genetic data
- annotationAdded explanatory comment
- discoveryAct of finding something
introns
Non-coding DNA stretches
- telomeresProtective chromosome termini
- centromeresChromosome constriction points
- microsatellitesBrief repetitive DNA sequences
gene regulation
Managing when DNA activates
- epigeneticsHeritable expression changes, sequence intact
- gene expressionDNA to functional product
- methylationAttaching a methyl group
mutation
Permanent DNA alteration
- genetic driftRandom allele frequency change
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
enigma
Something hard to fathom
- puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity
- unexploredNot yet investigated
- terra incognitaUnexplored or unknown region
scientific frontier · uncharted territory · secrets · misconception · misnomer
Human Genome Project
Complete genetic blueprint endeavor
- genome sequencingReading complete DNA sequence
- bioinformaticsComputational analysis of genetic data
- annotationAdded explanatory comment
discovery · reclassification · paradigm shift · genome mapping
- DNA elementsgene, promoter, enhancer, silencer, exon
- Dawkins Biologyselfish gene, meme, replicator, vehicle, The God Delusion