ScienceAugust 27, 2026

intron

IN-tron

Definition

A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule that does not code for proteins and is removed during the process of creating a functional protein.

Etymology

Coined in 1978 by American geneticist Walter Gilbert, the term is a portmanteau formed by combining 'intragenic' (within a gene) and 'region'.

In the news

In the article, the researchers describe how an inserted piece of DNA within the stolen gene eventually became a new intron, yet the gene continued to function properly.

Parasitic plants act like genetic engineers by stealing and remodeling useful genes

Read the full article ↗

Asia Research News |

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