BEIJING, June 14 (Xinuanet) -- Researchers from Harvard Medical School in the United States have discovered a new class of gene with "junk" DNA in the yeast genome, CRIENGLISH.com reported on Sunday.
The new gene, named SRG1, blocks the function of the adjacent gene in the yeast genome. It does not produce a protein or enzyme to carry out its function. But when it is turned on, it regulates a neighboring gene.
The research team head, Professor Fred Winston, says the discovery could offer potential uses for some junk DNA. He believes that other genes could work the same way, and in other organisms, including humans.
There are about 30,000 to 40,000 genes in the human genome. Much of the genome consists of junk DNA, which scientists are trying to decipher in order to determine the causes and potential treatments for human diseases. |
