repetitive DNA

Cultural  

1. Stretches of DNA that repeat themselves throughout a genome, either in tandem or interspersed along the genome. These stretches can comprise up to fifty percent or more of an organism's DNA. It can code for an end product, perhaps a certain enzyme that is needed in large numbers; it can have a structural function (such as a telomere); or it can comprise sequences with no known function.

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Example Sentences

These protective caps at each chromosome end are made from repetitive DNA sequences and proteins.

From Science Daily

It remains unclear why some species accumulate large amounts of repetitive DNA while others evolve streamlined genomes.

From Science Daily

"This study supports the idea that, rather than direct adaptation, genome size in these species depends primarily on a balance between the accumulation and removal of this repetitive DNA," the researchers conclude.

From Science Daily

Traditionally, scientists have believed that species colonizing islands tend to develop larger genomes with more repetitive DNA.

From Science Daily

Rather, they were investigating what role repetitive DNA sequences played in the evolution of plants with exceptionally large genomes.

From Science Magazine