Introns
Definition
Introns are non-coding sections of an RNA transcript, or the DNA encoding it, that are spliced out before the RNA molecule is translated into protein.
Analogy
Imagine introns as commercials during your favorite TV show. They're part of the broadcast (the RNA transcript), but they get cut out (spliced) when you watch the show on a streaming service (translation into protein).
Related terms
Exons: Segments of DNA or RNA that code for proteins. They are the parts of the gene that remain within the final, mature RNA product after splicing.
Splicing: The process by which introns are removed from pre-mRNA and exons are joined together to form a continuous mRNA sequence.
Pre-mRNA: The first form of mRNA produced by transcription in eukaryotes. It contains both exons and introns and must undergo splicing to become mature mRNA.
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