Asked • 06/12/19

What are the function(s) of Alu elements in the cell?

My 2008 biology book (1) states that some 10% of the human genome consists of relatively short (~300 nucleotides long) *Alu* elements which do not code for proteins but many of which are transcribed into RNA. Do these *Alu* elements have any function in the cell?**(1) Biology, 8th ed., Campbell & Reece, 2008**

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Jesse E. answered • 06/13/19

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The short answer is researchers really do not know if they have any function. There are more questions than answers at this point.

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Jesse E.

For further explanation of this question follow this link that discusses the possible function of Alu: https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/537/what-are-the-functions-of-alu-elements-in-the-cell
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06/13/19

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