These are some possible explanations for why highly conserved regions of the human genome (similar in other species) don't code for proteins:
- Regulatory elements
- Structural elements
- Non-coding RNAs
What are these possible reasons?
Regulatory elements: These regions often function as switches or dials that control the expression of nearby genes. They can activate or repress gene transcription, influence mRNA stability, or affect protein translation. Conserved regulatory elements ensure proper gene expression patterns across species, even if the coding sequences for the proteins themselves have diverged.
Structural elements: These regions contribute to the overall architecture and stability of the genome. Examples include telomeres at chromosome ends, centromeres for chromosome segregation during cell division, and origins of replication for DNA duplication. Conserved structural elements ensure proper chromosome function and integrity across species.
Non-coding RNAs: These are RNA molecules that don't code for proteins but play crucial roles in various cellular processes. Examples include microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression, ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) that form part of the ribosome for translation, and transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that transport amino acids during translation. Conserved non-coding RNA genes ensure proper cellular functions across species.