junk DNA
[/dʒʌŋk ˈdiːɛnˈeɪ/]
noun
DNA lixo
1. Segments of DNA that do not code for proteins and were historically thought to have no function; now understood to have various regulatory and structural roles
Scientists once dismissed junk DNA as evolutionary waste, but recent research has revealed important regulatory functions.
Os cientistas já descartavam o DNA lixo como um resíduo evolutivo, mas pesquisas recentes revelaram funções regulatórias importantes.
2. Non-coding DNA sequences including introns, repetitive elements, and spacer DNA
The term 'junk DNA' is now considered somewhat misleading since much of it plays crucial roles in gene expression.
O termo 'DNA lixo' agora é considerado um pouco enganoso, já que grande parte dele desempenha funções cruciais na expressão gênica.
The term 'junk DNA' emerged in English-speaking scientific communities in the 1970s-80s. It has been adopted into Portuguese scientific discourse but is gradually being replaced by more accurate terminology like 'non-coding DNA' as understanding of genomic function has evolved. The term reflects a historical perspective that is now considered outdated, as research shows these sequences have important regulatory roles.
Related Idioms & Phrases
separar o joio do trigo (to separate the wheat from the chaff - relating to distinguishing useful from useless DNA)
nem tudo que reluz é ouro (not all that glitters is gold - relating to DNA previously thought useless but later found functional)
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