defined:

The region of a gene that contains the code for producing the gene's protein. Each exon codes for a specific portion of the complete protein. In some species (including humans), a gene's exons are separated by long regions of DNA (called introns or sometimes "junk DNA") that have no apparent function.

explained:

Listen to a detailed explanation.

Dr. John Carpten, formerly of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, defines exon.

illustrated:

View illustration

related
terms:

gene, genetic code (ATGC), messenger RNA (mRNA), protein

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