Scientist tell us we have junk DNA. I find it interesting that instead of saying, “We don’t know what this is”, science says, “We have junk DNA.”
What is junk DNA?
The definition of junk DNA is:
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genomic DNA that does not encode proteins, and whose function, if it has one, is not well understood.
Another term for junk DNA is non-coding DNA. Non-coding DNA is described as:
Non-coding DNA sequences are components of an organism’s DNA that do not encode protein sequences. Some non-coding DNA is transcribed into functional non-coding RNA molecules (e.g. transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and regulatory RNAs). Other functions of non-coding DNA include the transcriptional and translational regulation of protein-coding sequences, scaffold attachment regions, origins of DNA replication, centromeres and telomeres.
Is there a purpose for junk DNA?
The term “Junk DNA” became popular in the 1960s. A man by the name of David Comings came up with the term that is still being used today.
Fast forward to today and we find that science is still using the same term. Why? After sixty years, one would think that our protocol would be updated. We know that these non-coding areas of our DNA actually do have a purpose. The purpose may not be well understood, but there is a purpose.
Dismissing what we don’t understand
Why is it that when mankind does not understand something, the instinct is to dismiss what is not understood? Humans don’t want to acknowledge or admit that we don’t have the understanding to a subject matter. Just dismiss the topic and move on. If it’s not understood, it’s not that important.
One doesn’t want to admit that there is lack of knowledge or understanding. To admit, I don’t know, is to admit that there is a weakness. Not knowing makes us feel inadequate.
Thus, the term ‘junk DNA’. Let’s be honest and perfectly clear, there is NO junk DNA. Just because science doesn’t understand a component of our genetic make-up doesn’t mean there’s no purpose to it.
At the risk of sounding a little preachy, there is nothing within our genetic design that doesn’t have a purpose. When creation began, there was a plan, a design, and a purpose for every cell, atom, proton, and neutron. Each protein and molecule, electron, and microscopic detail in our design has a purpose.
The nature of human thinking
So, this leads me to the real reason for this article. Do you dismiss what you don’t understand as unimportant? Does it bruise your ego to admit “I don’t know”? Are you a follower or one who pushes forward to find the facts and truth in a situation? Do you look beyond the illusion that society has put forward as the absolute truth?
Individuals tend to think that if others do not hold the same belief, that their belief system is faulty. (Yes, you can read this sentence either way. That your belief system is wrong or theirs is wrong.)
However, where is it written that everyone has to think the same? Why is it that we have no tolerance towards those who think outside of the box? Consider where we would be if the visionary’s of past and current history had not had the courage to think for themselves.
Having said this, individual thinking is the true creative force. Children should be encouraged to allow their imagination to run wild! Without imagination, life would be so dull. Celebrate the differences between one another. Embrace the diversity each person brings into the mix of human life.
Change the world
Therefore, change the world by changing yourself. “I have to make a difference”, you say. Change the world and make a difference by starting with yourself. In reality, this is the only way to change the world. You are transformed and now those around you have modified their behavior to adapt to yours.
Allow your imagination to run wild! Become the person you’re intended to be! Change your thinking and change your life! Allow your true-self to escape the humdrum mindless thinking that has been imposed on us since birth.
As a child, my mother would to tell me, “God gave you a brain, use it!” I want to add to that statement, “You are what you think about.” Where your mind dwells, so is your reality.
Summary
In conclusion, there is NO junk DNA. There is NOTHING in life that has no meaning. Just because you don’t understand a situation, doesn’t mean there’s no meaning in it. Strive to be openminded and curious about life. Remember, just because you don’t know the meaning of a circumstance, don’t dismiss it. It’s in the understanding where growth lies.
