Science

Scientists found that DNA once dismissed as "junk" helps chromosomes find their partners

Times of India - Science · 27 August 2026 at 9:20 am

Scientists found that DNA once dismissed as "junk" helps chromosomes find their partners

Repetitive DNA near chromosome centers forms a unique barcode for partner recognition.

This barcode guides chromosomes to their correct partners during egg cell development.

When this DNA barcode is disrupted, chromosomes pair incorrectly or fail to pair.

A quality-control system eliminates eggs with such errors before they mature.

This discovery revives an old idea about "junk" DNA's role in reproduction.

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Scientists found that DNA once dismissed as "junk" helps chromosomes find their partners

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