Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach
Published on: September 11, 2017
A test of the master gene hypothesis for interspersed repetitive DNA sequences
Louise J Johnson1, John F Y Brookfield
1Institute of Genetics, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Many families of interspersed repetitive DNA elements, including human Alu and LINE (Long Interspersed Element) elements, have been proposed to have accumulated through repeated copying from a single source locus: the "master gene." The extent to which a master gene model is applicable has implications for the origin, evolution, and function of such sequences. One repetitive element family for which a convincing case for a master gene has been made is the rodent ID (identifier) elements. Here we devise a new test of the master gene model and use it to show that mouse ID element sequences are not compatible with a strict master gene model. We suggest that a single master gene is rarely, if ever, likely to be responsible for the accumulation of any repeat family.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Duplication and Divergence
The duplicated copies of the gene are called Paralogs. Paralogs with similar sequences and functions form a gene family. Across several species, a large number of gene families are characterized.
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Non-LTR Retrotransposons
Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?
In contrast, regions which code...
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...

