repetitive DNA

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.

Example Sentences

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

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

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"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.

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

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Knowing ferns often have notably long stretches of repetitive DNA, the team turned to the fork fern for analysis.

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