INTRON Meaning and
Definition
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An intron is a nucleotide sequence found within a gene that does not code for any functional protein. In other words, it is a non-coding region of DNA or RNA that is removed during the molecular process known as splicing. Introns are prevalent in eukaryotic organisms including humans, as opposed to prokaryotes, where genes typically lack introns.
Introns were initially considered to be "junk DNA" with no particular biological significance. However, research has increasingly revealed that they play important roles in gene regulation and evolution. Introns contribute to the diversity of proteins that can be encoded by a single gene through alternative splicing, a process that generates multiple RNA transcripts from a single gene by combining different exons (coding regions) and excluding certain introns. This phenomenon allows for the production of different protein isoforms with distinct functions from the same gene.
Additionally, introns have been associated with regulatory elements that influence gene expression, such as enhancers and silencers. They can affect the transcriptional activity of a gene by acting as binding sites for regulatory proteins or by facilitating chromatin modifications that control gene accessibility.
Overall, although once considered non-functional, introns are now recognized as important contributors to the complexity and diversity of genes in eukaryotic organisms, highlighting their vital role in gene expression and regulation.
Common Misspellings for INTRON
Etymology of INTRON
The word "intron" originates from the combination of two terms: "in" and "tron".
The prefix "in-" is derived from Latin and means "not", "without", or "inside". In this context, it implies that an intron is the region within a gene that is not involved in the coding of a functional protein.
The term "tron" is derived from the Greek word "thronos", which means "a seat" or "a place". In biology, it is commonly used in the naming of structural elements, such as exons and introns, referring to specific areas or spaces within genes.
Therefore, when combined, "intron" can be understood as the non-coding section or interior portion of a gene.
Similar spelling words for INTRON
- in turn,
- indri,
- intranet,
- intrench,
- intrusion,
- intra,
- indra,
- intropin,
- introitus,
- introject,
- intruder,
- indris,
- inter,
- intruding,
- intromit,
- introvert,
- intrinsic,
- indrawn,
- introduce,
- intro.
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