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Molecular analysis of Ac transposition and DNA replication
J Chen1, I M Greenblatt, S L Dellaporta
1Department of Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511-7444.
Genetics
|March 1, 1992
Summary
The mobile element Activator (Ac) in maize typically excises from one chromosome during cell division. Most Ac transpositions occur during or just after the S phase, influencing DNA replication and cell cycle dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Molecular biology
- Mobile genetic elements
Background:
- The Activator (Ac) element is a mobile genetic element in maize.
- Understanding Ac transposition is crucial for maize genetics and genome stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular events of Activator (Ac) transposition in maize.
- To determine the timing of Ac transposition relative to DNA replication and the cell cycle.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of twinned sectors in maize daughter lineages.
- Molecular cloning and sequencing of Ac insertion target sites.
- Analysis of donor chromosome excision and target site integration.
Main Results:
- Activator (Ac) excision occurred from only one daughter chromosome in twinned sectors.
- Ac insertion into target sites can happen before or after DNA replication.
- Transposition events were observed from replicated and to replicated/unreplicated sites.
Conclusions:
- Most Activator (Ac) transpositions in maize occur during or immediately following the S phase of the cell cycle.
- This timing suggests a link between Ac transposition and the DNA replication process.