Introns: Non-Coding Regions of DNA Within Genes

Introns are non-coding regions of DNA that are located within genes. They are regions of the gene that do not code for any proteins and are removed from the RNA transcript before the final protein product is made. Introns are typically found in the middle of a gene, and they are flanked by regions of the gene that do code for proteins, called exons.

Introns were first discovered in the 1970s, and since then, their function has been the subject of much research and debate. Some scientists believe that introns may have evolved to serve a purpose, such as regulating the expression of genes or providing a mechanism for gene duplication. However, the exact function of introns is still not well understood.

Introns are removed from the RNA transcript through a process called splicing, which takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. During splicing, the introns are cut out of the RNA transcript, and the exons are joined together to form a mature RNA molecule that can be translated into protein.

In summary, introns are non-coding regions of DNA found within genes that are removed from the RNA transcript during splicing. Their function is not well understood, but they may play a role in regulating gene expression or providing a mechanism for gene duplication.