Finger (mal)formation reveals surprise function of desert DNA
Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 21:30
in Biology & Nature
Scientists have discovered a genetic mechanism that defines the shape of our members in which, surprisingly, genes play only a secondary role. The research shows the mechanism is found in a DNA sequence that was thought, incorrectly, to play no role. This long string has seven enhancers which, when combined with one another, modulate the activity of the genes responsible for the formation of the fingers.