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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Genome-wide Surveillance of Transcription Errors in Eukaryotic Organisms
Published on: September 13, 2018
[Noncoding sequences of the eukaryotic genome as an additional protection of genes from chemical mutagens]
Abstract:
A quantitative model was developed that detects a new function of noncoding sequences in the eukaryotic genome, namely, the protection of coding sequences from chemical (mainly endogenous) mutagens. It was shown that, under common ecological conditions, the number of nucleotides damaged by mutagens in coding sequences of the genome is inversely proportional to the size of their noncoding counterparts. Noncoding sequences can differently protect single genetic loci from chemical mutagens by the formation of specific spatial structures of the protected loci in the interphase nuclei. The significant differences in genome sizes between species (paradox C) can be explained by different contributions of noncoding sequences to the total effect of genome protection from endogenous chemical mutagens.
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