transposons

(noun)

A segment of DNA that can move to a different position within a genome.

Examples of transposons in the following topics:

  • Inactivating and Marking Target Genes with Transposons

    • Transposons allow genes to be transferred to a host organism's chromosome, interrupting or modifying the function of a gene.
    • A transposon, such as the Drosophilla Melanogaster P-element, is allowed to integrate at random locations in the genome of the organism being studied.
    • Transposons in bacteria usually carry an additional gene for function other than transposition---often for antibiotic resistance.
    • Transposons are semi-parasitic DNA sequences that can replicate and spread through the host's genome.
    • In this case a transposon, e.g.

  • DNA Sequencing of Insertion Sites

    • Insertion sequences have two major characteristics: they are small relative to other transposable elements (generally around 700 to 2500 bp in length) and only code for proteins implicated in the transposition activity (they are thus different from other transposons, which also carry accessory genes such as antibiotic-resistance genes).
    • In addition to occurring autonomously, insertion sequences may also occur as parts of composite transposons; in a composite transposon, two insertion sequences flank one or more accessory genes, such as an antibiotic-resistance gene (e.g.
    • Nevertheless, there exist another sort of transposons, called unit transposons, that do not carry insertion sequences at their extremities (e.g.
    • A complex transposon does not rely on flanking insertion sequences for resolvase.

  • Mu: A Double-Stranded Transposable DNA Bacteriophage

    • In this mechanism, the donor and receptor DNA sequences form a characteristic intermediate "theta" configuration, sometimes called a "Shapiro intermediate. " Replicative transposition is characteristic to retrotransposons and occurs from time to time in class II transposons.

  • Pathogenicity Islands

    • They are transferred through horizontal gene transfer events such as transfer by a plasmid, phage, or conjugative transposon .

  • Pathogenicity Islands and Virulence Factors

    • PAIs are transferred through horizontal gene transfer events such as transfer by a plasmid, phage, or conjugative transposon.

  • Mutation

    • Mutations are caused by radiation, viruses, transposons, and mutagenic chemicals.

  • Double-Stranded RNA Viruses: Retroviruses

    • Endogenous retroviruses are a type of transposon.