RestDNA
RestDNA is a term used in discussions of synthetic biology and genome design to describe DNA sequences whose primary role is to remain functionally inert under normal conditions. In this framework, restDNA elements are intended to exert minimal transcriptional or translational activity and to impose a low metabolic burden on the host organism. The concept is often described as the counterpart to coding and regulatory sequences, serving as neutral ballast, spacer regions, or formal placeholders within genomes or engineered constructs.
Origin and design philosophy: restDNA emerged from considerations of genome minimization, modular circuit design, and long-term
Applications and implications: use cases include buffering genetic circuits to separate modules, serving as neutral placeholders
See also: non-coding DNA, genetic ballast, genome architecture, synthetic biology.