Large-Scale DNA Patterns

Genes aren't the only organizational unit within an organism's genetic sequence. Researchers have found other larger structures whose functions are less clear. Now, in the March Physical Review E, a team reports evidence for the largest unit yet seen--stretches of tens of millions of DNA "letters" that appear to make up a single unit of some sort. Furthermore, the individual genes within these "superstructures" are more related than chance would suggest, implying that the new structures have some biological purpose.