Coding and Non-Coding DNA
This post will go through exons and introns for QCE Biology.
4.1.3 – Gene Expression
- Understand that genes include ‘coding’ (exons) and ‘noncoding’ DNA (which includes a variety of transcribed proteins: functional RNA (i.e. tRNA), centromeres, telomeres and introns. Recognise that many functions of ‘noncoding’ DNA are yet to be determined)
Exons vs Introns
Basically, exons contain DNA that codes for proteins with certain functions while introns are non-coding. Note that non-coding does not mean without use, for instance, the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) are made of large sections of introns which prevent the decaying of exons.
This video will go through exons and introns in a little more detail.
This video goes through some functions of exons and introns.
