Are introns just junk?

[Shannon]

An article recently printed in the local paper stated: _2 win Nobel for 
finding most DNA is "junk"_.  The "junk"  they are referring to is the 
introns found in DNA.  I was taught that introns are useful during 
the crossover stage of meiosis.  Is this true?  Do Introns serve any 
functions at all, or are they rightfully labeled as "junk"?

						First year science student,
							S.  Apland