Question

Introns are significant to biological evolution because?

1) Their presence allows exons to be moved around more easily, creating proteins with new combinations of functional domains
2) They protect the mRNA from degeneration
3) They are translated into essential amino acids
4) They maintain the genetic code by preventing incorrect DNA base pairings
5) They correct enzymatic alterations of DNA bases

Answer 1

Introns are non-coding sequences found within genes that are removed during the process of gene expression. They allow for alternative splicing and contribute to genetic diversity through gene duplication and exon shuffling.

Step-by-step explanation:

Introns are non-coding sequences found within genes that are removed during the process of gene expression. While their specific function is not fully understood, introns play a significant role in biological evolution. They allow for alternative splicing, which leads to the creation of different protein isoforms with varying functionality. Additionally, introns can act as buffers against deleterious mutations and are potential targets for gene duplication and exon shuffling, contributing to genetic diversity.