Related Terms

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Background

• Junk DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), also called noncoding DNA or intergenic regions, are sections of DNA that do not form genes and thus do not create proteins. More than 90% of human DNA is junk DNA. Researchers originally called these sections of DNA "junk DNA" because they thought they served no functional purpose. However, additional research has demonstrated that this so-called "junk DNA" may play a role in the control of gene expression by increasing or decreasing gene activity and may also act in the repair of damaged chromosomes.
• Chromosomes are found inside the cells of all organisms. Chromosomes are made of DNA molecules, which look like a twisted ladder. This unique shape is called a "double helix." The sides of the double helix are made of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules. The "rungs" of the "ladder" are made of smaller molecules called bases that contain nitrogen. These molecules include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
• All genes are made up of different combinations of these four molecules, which are arranged in different patterns. The sequence of these molecules provides the "code," or instructions, for each of the genes involved in the development, growth, and function of all the cells in the body. This code is used to create proteins, which may provide structure to the cells and tissues of the body, such as creating the membranes that surround cells, function in metabolism and repair of damaged tissue, for example, by breaking down food in the digestive tract, or function as signaling molecules within the body, such as hormones.
• Regulation of gene activity affects how much protein is produced by causing genes to be more active (producing more protein) or less active (producing less protein). If a segment of junk DNA controls the activity of a nearby gene, the result could be more or less of a specific protein in the body. This activity can have a wide variety of effects depending upon the protein that is affected. For example, a gene involved in the production of antibodies, which fight infections, is known to be affected by segments of junk DNA that cause it to be more active. This causes the individual to produce more antibodies, but the effect of this increased production is not yet understood.
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Methods

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Research

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Implications

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Limitations

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Safety

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Future Research

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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