Definition

Noun: A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule in a eukaryotic organism's gene that does not code for a protein and is removed during the process of creating mature messenger RNA (mRNA).

Usage

The term "intron" is used in the fields of genetics and molecular biology to describe non-coding sequences within a gene. It contrasts with "exon," which is the coding sequence. Introns are transcribed into precursor mRNA but are spliced out before the mRNA is translated into a protein.

Examples

• In the process of gene expression, introns are removed from the RNA transcript.
• The gene contains several introns interspersed between the exons.
• Scientists study intron sequences to understand evolutionary relationships.

Advanced Usage

• Intron retention: A regulatory mechanism where an intron is not spliced out of the mRNA, which can affect the resulting protein or lead to its degradation.
• Group I/II intron: Self-splicing introns that can catalyze their own removal from an RNA molecule without the need for a protein enzyme.

Variants and Related Words

• Exon (noun): The sequence of DNA in a gene that codes for protein and remains in the mature mRNA after splicing.
• Splicing (noun): The process by which introns are removed from precursor mRNA and exons are joined together.

Synonyms

• Intervening sequence
• Non-coding region (within a gene)

Antonyms

• Exon
• Coding sequence

Noun

1. sequence of a eukaryotic gene's DNA that is not translated into a protein