What are the differences between coding and noncoding DNA?

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Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation
Coding DNA
Noncoding DNA

Definition
Refers to DNA sequence that contains protein-encoding genes 
Refers to DNA sequence that does not encode for proteins

Percentage of total genome in organisms
Make up around 1% - 2% of the total genome in most organisms
Make up around 98% -99% of the genome in most organisms

Composition
Composed of exons (coding sequences) and introns (DNA regions with no known function)
Composed of regulatory elements, repeating sequences, pseudogenes, introns, and telomeres

Synthesis
Undergoes transcription to synthesize mRNAs
Undergoes transcription to synthesize regulatory RNAs including rRNAs and tRNAs

Function
Encodes for proteins
Provides sites for the binding of transcription factors to regulate gene expression

Importance
Proteins encoded have functional, regulatory, and structural importance in the cell
Essential for regulating gene activity

Basis of differentiation	Coding DNA	Noncoding DNA
Definition	Refers to DNA sequence that contains protein-encoding genes	Refers to DNA sequence that does not encode for proteins
Percentage of total genome in organisms	Make up around 1% - 2% of the total genome in most organisms	Make up around 98% -99% of the genome in most organisms
Composition	Composed of exons (coding sequences) and introns (DNA regions with no known function)	Composed of regulatory elements, repeating sequences, pseudogenes, introns, and telomeres
Synthesis	Undergoes transcription to synthesize mRNAs	Undergoes transcription to synthesize regulatory RNAs including rRNAs and tRNAs
Function	Encodes for proteins	Provides sites for the binding of transcription factors to regulate gene expression
Importance	Proteins encoded have functional, regulatory, and structural importance in the cell	Essential for regulating gene activity

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