Evolving Genomic Metaphors: A New Look at the Language of DNA

Recent genome-sequencing efforts have confirmed that traditional "good-citizen" genes (those that encode functional RNA and protein molecules of obvious benefit to the organism) constitute only a small fraction of the genomic populace in humans and other multicellular creatures. The rest o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2001-10, Vol.294 (5540), p.86-87
Main Author: Avise, John C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Animals
Biology
Coding
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA
DNA Transposable Elements
DNA, Intergenic
Evolution
Evolution, Molecular
Evolutionary genetics
Exons
Figurative Language
Gene Expression Regulation
Genes
Genetics
Genome
Genome, Human
Genomes
Genomics
Housework
Human genetics
Humans
Introns
Medical genetics
Metaphor
Nucleotide sequences
Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
Viewpoints
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Description
Summary:Recent genome-sequencing efforts have confirmed that traditional "good-citizen" genes (those that encode functional RNA and protein molecules of obvious benefit to the organism) constitute only a small fraction of the genomic populace in humans and other multicellular creatures. The rest of the DNA sequence includes an astonishing collection of noncoding regions, regulatory modules, deadbeat pseudogenes, legions of repetitive elements, and hosts of oft-shifty, self-interested nomads, renegades, and immigrants. To help visualize functional operations in such intracellular genomic societies and to better encapsulate the evolutionary origins of complex genomes, new and evocative metaphors may be both entertaining and research-stimulating.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.294.5540.86