selfish DNA
[/ˈsɛlfɪʃ ˈdiːɛnˈeɪ/]
noun
DNA egoísta
1. DNA sequences that replicate and propagate themselves within a genome without providing a beneficial function to the organism, often through transposable elements and repetitive sequences
Selfish DNA makes up a significant portion of the human genome and includes transposons and satellite DNA.
O DNA egoísta compreende uma porção significativa do genoma humano e inclui transposons e DNA satélite.
2. Genetic material that persists in genomes because it replicates efficiently, not necessarily because it benefits the host organism
Scientists discovered that much of what was once called 'junk DNA' was actually selfish DNA replicating for its own propagation.
Cientistas descobriram que muito do que era chamado de 'DNA lixo' era na verdade DNA egoísta se replicando para sua própria propagação.
The term 'selfish DNA' was popularized by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976 and represents a paradigm shift in understanding genome organization. In both Brazilian and Portuguese scientific communities, this concept is taught as part of molecular biology and evolutionary theory curricula. The term reflects the anthropomorphic language often used in genetics to describe molecular mechanisms.
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