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What evidence exists for a biological function for Z DNA?

User Dlouzan
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Final answer:

Research indicates that Z DNA, originally thought to be 'junk DNA', may have a biological function, possibly in gene regulation. Discoveries of functional RNA molecules and techniques such as reverse genetics further suggest a complex and functional genomic landscape.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evidence for Biological Function of Z DNA

The inquiry into the biological function of Z DNA touches upon the broader research into genetic structures and their functional RNA molecules. Significant evidence now suggests that there may be no such entity as “junk DNA,” with previously overlooked sequences, including Z DNA, demonstrating potential functionality. For instance, Z DNA might play a role in the regulation of gene expression, as indicated by the proximity of cognate triplets to amino acids, which supports the work of earlier scientists like Crick and Woese in their assumptions of a genetic code-protein interface. Additionally, reverse genetics and RNAi technology contribute to understanding protein functions by enabling the silencing of specific genes to deduce function from a lack of expression.

Further reinforcing the concept of functional DNA, recent work in genome analyses suggests a much wider array of functional DNA than previously thought. This shift includes the roles of miRNA and Inc RNAs, implicating a larger-scale genetic utility across the eukaryotic genome. Hence, ongoing debates and research continue to emerge around the functionality of certain DNA sequences, hinting at an underappreciated complexity within our genetic blueprint.

User Dave Hylands
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