The sections of DNA within a gene that do not encode part of the protein produced are called introns.

Here's a breakdown:

* Introns: Non-coding regions within a gene that are transcribed into RNA but are then removed during RNA processing before the RNA is translated into protein.

* Exons: Coding regions within a gene that are transcribed and translated into protein.

Think of it like this: a gene is like a recipe, and introns are the parts you don't actually use to make the final dish.