The human genome consists of 20-25,000 genes, making up about 2% of the human DNA. Large non-coding regions of DNA called introns are spliced from pre-mRNA in the nucleus before it leaves through the nuclear pores. The exons that are spliced together are then translated in the cytoplasm. Other non-coding regions of DNA are telomeres at the ends and centromeres with which chromosomes attach to the spindle during nuclear division.Within the non-coding regions are short repeating sequences known as satellites. 20-50 base pair minisatellites are repeated hundreds of times at up to 1000 locations, 2-4 base pair microsatellites (short tandem repeats) are repeated up to 15 times and are always in the same position on chromosomes.
Non-coding DNA
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Specification: AQA Biology (7402), A-level, 3.8.3 Using genome projects. Topic: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Key terms in this lesson
- pluripotent
- Describes a stem cell, found in the early embryo, that can divide in unlimited numbers and differentiate into almost any body cell, but not the placenta.
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All 23 lessons in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology · All AQA A-level Biology topics