Now that we know our genome is not pristine (changes all the time) and it is full of viral and other “junk” sequences (diagramed below), what benefit does the junk DNA provide us?

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  1. Now that we know our genome is not pristine (changes all the time) and it is full of viral and other “junk” sequences (diagramed below), what benefit does the junk DNA provide us?

 

The image presents a pie chart titled "Components of the Human Genome," illustrating the distribution of various genomic elements. Here's a detailed breakdown:

- **Introns (26%)**: These are non-coding sections of a gene that are removed during RNA splicing.
- **LINEs (Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements) (20%)**: These are repetitive elements that can amplify themselves in a genome.
- **SINEs (Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements) (13%)**: These are another type of repetitive elements similar to LINEs but shorter.
- **Miscellaneous Unique Sequences (12%)**: These are unique non-repetitive sequences found within the genome.
- **Miscellaneous Heterochromatin (8%)**: These are densely packed forms of DNA that are transcriptionally inactive.
- **LTR Retrotransposons (8%)**: Long terminal repeat retrotransposons are a type of transposable element that can insert copies of themselves into new genomic locations.
- **Segmental Duplications (5%)**: These are large duplicated regions of the genome.
- **Simple Sequence Repeats (3%)**: These are repeated sequences of DNA that are short in length.
- **DNA Transposons (3%)**: These are segments of DNA that can move to different positions within the genome.
- **Protein-Coding Genes (2%)**: These are sequences of DNA that encode instructions to make proteins.

This pie chart provides a visual representation of the composition of the human genome, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of genetic material beyond protein-coding regions.
Transcribed Image Text:The image presents a pie chart titled "Components of the Human Genome," illustrating the distribution of various genomic elements. Here's a detailed breakdown: - **Introns (26%)**: These are non-coding sections of a gene that are removed during RNA splicing. - **LINEs (Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements) (20%)**: These are repetitive elements that can amplify themselves in a genome. - **SINEs (Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements) (13%)**: These are another type of repetitive elements similar to LINEs but shorter. - **Miscellaneous Unique Sequences (12%)**: These are unique non-repetitive sequences found within the genome. - **Miscellaneous Heterochromatin (8%)**: These are densely packed forms of DNA that are transcriptionally inactive. - **LTR Retrotransposons (8%)**: Long terminal repeat retrotransposons are a type of transposable element that can insert copies of themselves into new genomic locations. - **Segmental Duplications (5%)**: These are large duplicated regions of the genome. - **Simple Sequence Repeats (3%)**: These are repeated sequences of DNA that are short in length. - **DNA Transposons (3%)**: These are segments of DNA that can move to different positions within the genome. - **Protein-Coding Genes (2%)**: These are sequences of DNA that encode instructions to make proteins. This pie chart provides a visual representation of the composition of the human genome, emphasizing the complexity and diversity of genetic material beyond protein-coding regions.
Expert Solution
Step 1: Introduction

More than 10 percent of our genome is made up of repetitive, seemingly nonsensical stretches of genetic material called satellite DNA that do not code for any proteins. This is called Junk DNA. Some of this DNA tells the body how to make proteins. However, a lot of this DNA does not make protein and some people call it “junk DNA.”

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