what are introns
Introns are non-coding segments of DNA that are present within a gene and interrupt the coding segments called exons. Introns are transcribed into RNA, but they are usually spliced out of the final mRNA product during a process called RNA splicing. While the function of introns is not fully understood, they are believed to play a role in regulating gene expression, diversifying the gene product through alternative splicing, and creating genetic diversity.
Introns are non-coding regions of DNA or RNA that are found within genes. They are interspersed among the coding regions known as exons. Introns are transcribed into precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) but are eventually removed through a process called splicing to generate the final mature mRNA that can be translated into protein.
The presence of introns within genes is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Introns can vary in size and number, and their functions are not completely understood. However, several roles of introns have been proposed, including regulating gene expression, promoting genetic diversity, and facilitating the evolution of new gene functions.
During splicing, a complex molecular machinery called the spliceosome recognizes specific sequences at the boundaries of introns and cuts them out from the pre-mRNA transcript. The remaining exons are then joined together to form the mature mRNA. Alternative splicing is a phenomenon in which different combinations of exons can be included or excluded from the final mRNA, leading to the production of multiple protein isoforms from a single gene.
In summary, introns are non-coding sequences found within genes that are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are later removed through splicing. Their exact functions are still being studied, but they are believed to play important roles in gene regulation and the generation of protein diversity.