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To: allmendream
If by “function” you mean encoding protein production that might be true but some of these non protein coding parts of the genome produce a form of RNA called “micro RNA”.

As time goes on more functions for this noncoding dna are being found.

239 posted on 12/03/2009 8:50:24 PM PST by count-your-change (You don't have be brilliant, not being stupid is enough.)
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To: count-your-change
Indeed, it looks like this noncoding regulatory DNA; in addition to the other regulatory DNA already known about - might make up as much of the genome as the actual genes themselves!

Still no known function for the majority of the genome.

Not saying one won't be found, but a hypothesis of “junk” that might be beneficial to be kept around, and might be of use some day - is still a reasonable hypothesis. One which is strengthened by findings like the envelope protein of an ERV being used by placental mammals - not weakened by it.

248 posted on 12/03/2009 9:08:56 PM PST by allmendream (Wealth is EARNED not distributed, so how could it be RE-distributed?)
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