Why didn't a concept like "pointers" in Computer Science evolve in the genome? I see that the genome contains large regions of repeating sequences called interspersed or dispersed elements. The long dispersed elements (LINES) such as LINE-1, can reach up to 6-8 kb in length. I'm wondering, given the amount of repetition that takes place in these regions, wouldn't a system where a pointer (such as in computer programming) existed be more efficient? For example, instead of including a LINE, include a unique 5 base pair sequence acting as a pointer to that LINE. A separate chromosome (containing one copy of each LINE) would then be read at the correct position once the pointer was read. Do you think that given enough time in evolution, such a system would be more sustainable? Sort of like using a proper functional language instead of Assembler in computer programming, where f(x) can be defined once, and accessed via pointers, instead of being repeated many times?

Short answer: Pointers already exist within the genome, in terms of transcription elements (such as repressor/activator systems). These systems can remotely activate a specific gene for transcription based on concentrations of specific chemicals within the cell.

The problem with LINEs are that they are thought to be ancient retroviruses which lost their capacity to infect other cells, instead jumping around within the genome. They are therefore parasitic in nature, and they reproduce by inserting multiple copies of themselves into the genome. It makes more sense to think of LINEs as nearly inactivated retroviruses instead.