Research team finds important role for junk DNA
May 22, 2009 | Source: KurzweilAI
Researchers from Princeton University and Indiana University have found that “junk” DNA may actually perform essential functions.
Genes called transposons in the single-celled pond-dwelling organism Oxytricha produce cell proteins known as transposases, which influence hundreds of thousands of DNA pieces to regroup. Organisms with these genes removed failed to develop properly.
Source: Princeton University news