Question

What is non-coding DNA, and why is it necessary? Describe some of its roles

Answer 1

Non coding DNA is also a part of and organisms DNA but like coding DNA they do not code for mRNA and thereby to any protein sequence.

The below mentioned functions or roles of Non Coding DNA make them highly significant.

1. They play an important role in studying Evolution. They provide evidence of evolution as these DNAs accumulate more mutaions than the coding DNAs there by leading to the formation of mutant alleles which in turn undergo natural selection and thus evolution.

2. Forensic studies use the DNA testing a lot these days. They depend on the non coding DNA rather than coding DNA

3. Some of these non coding DNAs are also used to produce non coding RNAs

4. The location of attachment of transcription factor is sometimes determined by the non coding DNA.

5. These Non Coding DNAs also act as genetic switches, deciding when and where a particular gene gets expressed.