A Review on Satellite DNA

Abstract

Satellite DNAs are hidden part of the genomes, initially just considered as junk DNA. Heterochromatic regions of the eukaryotic genome harbour DNA sequences that are repeated many times in tandem, collectively known as satellite DNAs. Different satellite sequences co‐exist in the genome, thus forming a set called a satellite DNA library. Satellite DNA families accumulate in the in the heterochromatin in different parts of the eukaryotic chromosomes, mainly in pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions, there is currently an increasing appreciation of the functional significance of satellite DNA repeats and of their sequences. The study of insect satellite DNAs indicates the evolutionary conservation of certain features despite their sequence heterogeneity. Such features can include total length, monomer length, motifs, particular regions and/or secondary and tertiary structures.