Buffering: a possible passive-homeostasis role for redundant DNA.
A new general role for redundant (apparently non-coding) DNA is speculated: buffering the effect of fluctuations in intra-cellular solute composition on chromatin condensation state in its condensed form and on binding of DNA-tropic proteins and other ligands in its decondensed form. The "buffering" DNA performing such passive-homeostasis (energy-independent) function, can provide selective advantage in ecological niches with a low energy supply.
Vinogradov
A E
AE
Institute of Cytology, RussianAcademy of Sciences, St Petersburg 194064, Russia
D000818:Animals; D048429:Cell Size; D004247:DNA / Q000502:physiology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells; D016678:Genome; D006706:Homeostasis; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012091:Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D012996:Solutions
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D012996:Solutions; D004247:DNA