A Solution to the C-Value Paradox and the Function of Junk DNA

Plants exhibit the C-value paradox more dramatically than do animals:  related genomes with approximately the same number of chromosomes, number of genes and a similar degree of “complexity” differ significantly in genomic DNA content.  The DNA difference is often called “junk” because – whether it functions or not—this DNA is proved to be “excess”.  An experimentally useful edition of the C-value paradox exists within the maize genome itself, as will be explained.  The official origin of this talk has been published[1].  We think junk DNA --composed of dead transposons--  functions in bulk as ballast, both in quantitative gene regulation and in coordinating movement of chromosomes at anaphase. Tests will be discussed.  1. Freeling M, Xu J, Woodhouse M, Lisch D: A Solution to the C-Value Paradox and the Function of Junk DNA: The Genome Balance Hypothesis. Mol Plant 2015. 8: 899-910.