title: A protective function for noncoding, or secondary DNA.
abstract: The genome of many eukaryotic organisms contains a large amount of noncoding, or secondary DNA. I propose that secondary DNA functions as a sink for the integration of viral and nonviral inserting elements, thereby protecting coding sequences from insertional damage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Bandea
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D008242:Lysogeny / Q000235:genetics; D008957:Models, Genetic
chemical_list: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004247:DNA