I think there are no more than 5,000 noncoding genes but many scientists claim that there are tens of thousands of newly discovered noncoding genes. I describe the known noncoding genes (less than 1000) and explain why many of the transcripts detected are just junk RNA produced by spurious transcription. The presence of abundant noncoding genes will not solve the Deflated Ego Problem.
This chapter covers the misconceptions about the Central Dogma and how they are incorrectly used to try and discredit junk DNA. The views of John Mattick are explained and refuted. I end the chapter with a plea to adopt a worldview that can accommodate messy biochemistry and a sloppy genome that's full of junk DNA.
Click on this link to see more.
Chapter 8: NoncodingGenes and Junk RNA
Hi Larry - first time commenting on here I think, though I've followed the blog for years.
ReplyDeleteAre you concerned that a book dealing with such a rapidly developing subject will require constant updates and revisions through newer editions? Or does it lean more on the conceptual end of the popular science spectrum?
The evidence for abundant junk DNA in our genome (90%) has been around for fifty years. I don’t think it’s ever going to be refuted and I don’t think there’s going to be any significant developments in the next few years that will change our understanding of a sloppy genome.
ReplyDeleteI love the notion of “junk RNA produced by spurious transcription”. I am so borrowing that as maybe…spurious transcripts or junk transcipts?
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