selfish DNA
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Related to selfish DNA: junk DNA
junk DNA
that portion of DNA that is not transcribed and expressed, comprising a major fraction of the base pairs of the human genome; much of this DNA is repetitive in seuqence and appears to serve no purpose; its function is not known. segments of DNA that appear to serve no function and are replicated along with the rest of the DNA that serves vital functions; examples are pseudogenes and tandemly repeated DNA sequences that seem functionless but are retained by unequal crossing-over.
Synonym(s): selfish DNA
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
junk DNA
(jŭngk)The portion of DNA that is not transcribed and expressed, comprising about 90% of the 3 billion base pairs of the human genome; its function is not known.
Synonym(s): selfish DNA.
Synonym(s): selfish DNA.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
selfish DNA
DNA with no apparent function other than to ensure its own maintenance and replication, using its host to do so. The DNA integrates into a host REPLICON, in order to be replicated and passed on to future GENERATIONS (2).Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005