A large group of scientists has found that so-called junk DNA, which makes up most of the human genome, does much more than previously thought. Related Article »
DISEASE
REGULATION
JUNK DNA
GENES
Errors or mutations in genetic switches can disrupt the network and lead to a range of diseases. The new findings will spur further research and may lead to new drugs and treatments.
The many genetic regulators seem to be arranged in a complex and redundant hierarchy. Scientists are only beginning to map and understand this network, which regulates how cells, organs and tissues behave.
Stretches of DNA around and between genes seemed to do nothing, and were called junk DNA. But now researchers think that the junk DNA contains a large number of tiny genetic switches, controlling how genes function within the cell.
Each human cell contains about 10 feet of DNA, coiled into a dense tangle. But only a very small percentage of DNA encodes genes, which control inherited traits like eye color, blood type and so on.
Error
Malfunctioning
hierarchy
Hierarchy of
genetic regulators
Genetic
switches
Junk DNA
Gene
Gene
DNA
Chromosome
DISEASE
REGULATION
JUNK DNA
GENES
Errors or mutations in genetic switches can disrupt the network and lead to a range of diseases. The new findings will spur further research and may lead to new drugs and treatments.
The many genetic regulators seem to be arranged in a complex and redundant hierarchy. Scientists are only beginning to map and understand this network, which regulates how cells, organs and tissues behave.
Stretches of DNA around and between genes seemed to do nothing, and were called junk DNA. But now researchers think that the junk DNA contains a large number of tiny genetic switches, controlling how genes function within the cell.
Each human cell contains about 10 feet of DNA, coiled into a dense tangle. But only a very small percentage of DNA encodes genes, which control inherited traits like eye color, blood type and so on.
Error
Malfunctioning
hierarchy
Hierarchy of
genetic regulators
Genetic
switches
Junk DNA
Gene
Gene
DNA
Chromosome
nature.com
ENCODE
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