Scientists found that DNA once dismissed as "junk" helps chromosomes find their partners

Repetitive DNA near chromosome centers forms a unique barcode for partner recognition. This barcode guides chromosomes to their correct partners during egg cell development. When this DNA barcode is disrupted, chromosomes pair incorrectly or fail to pair. A quality-control system eliminates eggs with such errors before they mature. This discovery revives an old idea about "junk" DNA's role in reproduction.

By TOI Science Desk