Question

Assign each DNA segment at the top of Figure 18.8 to a sector in the pie chart in Figure 21.6.

Short answer

The exons of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) segment would be classed as exons, the enhancer region of the DNA segment is classed as regulatory sequences, and the introns are classed as introns.

Step-by-step solution

Eukaryotic gene

The eukaryotic gene is complex and comprises more genetic material than prokaryotic genes.It contains exons (the coding regions of DNA) and introns (the non-coding regions).

It also comprises a promoter region (required for transcription), control elements (involved in the regulation of transcription initiation) such as distal control and proximal control elements.

Pie chart of the human genome

A pie chart is a graphical representation of quantitative proportions in divided slices in a circular shape. In the figure, the human genome is represented in a pie chart where the DNA segments are divided into slices proportionate to their weight in the human genome.

Assigning DNA segment in the pie chart

The exons, the DNA region coding for proteins, are classified as exons (1.5%) in the pie chart; the introns, which do not code for proteins, are classified as introns (20%). However, the enhancer region that includes the distal control elements, the proximal control elements, and the promoter are classified as regulatory sequences of the pie chart (5%).