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Related Concept Videos

DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
Transposons01:24

Transposons

Transposons, or "jumping genes," are small mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that range from 700 to 40,000 base pairs in length. They are found in all organisms and can move within the same chromosome or transfer to different chromosomes. In some cases, transposons can also jump between different host DNA molecules, such as plasmids or viruses, contributing to genetic variability.Barbara McClintock first discovered these mobile genetic elements in the 1940s while studying maize genetics, and she...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome
06:33

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

Published on: December 9, 2013

Transposons in C. elegans.

Jean-Louis Bessereau1

  • 1ENS, Biologie Cellulaire de la Synapse, Paris, F-75005 France. jlbesse@biologie.ens.fr

Wormbook : the Online Review of C. Elegans Biology
|November 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Transposons, or mobile genetic elements, have a dual role in C. elegans research, acting as both parasitic DNA and beneficial tools for genomic study and gene discovery. Their study has yielded crucial insights into genome evolution and RNA interference.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Transposons are mobile DNA elements that can alter host genomes.
  • Class I transposons use an RNA intermediate, while Class II use a 'cut-and-paste' mechanism.
  • Transposons can be viewed as selfish DNA but also as drivers of genome evolution, suggesting molecular mutualism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review transposons in the C. elegans genome, focusing on mobile elements.
  • To discuss mechanisms and control of transposition.
  • To present transposon-based tools for C. elegans research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on C. elegans transposons.
  • Emphasis on mobile elements under laboratory conditions.
  • Discussion of transposition mechanisms and regulatory control.

More Related Videos

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection
12:09

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection

Published on: August 15, 2008

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome
06:33

A Rapid Protocol for Integrating Extrachromosomal Arrays With High Transmission Rate into the C. elegans Genome

Published on: December 9, 2013

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection
12:09

Generation of Stable Transgenic C. elegans Using Microinjection

Published on: August 15, 2008

Main Results:

  • Tc1 transposon identified as the first C. elegans mobile element and founder of the Tc1/mariner superfamily.
  • Discovery of links between transposition, genome surveillance, and RNA interference in C. elegans.
  • Transposons have been instrumental in gene inactivation, cloning, and are being explored for site-directed mutagenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Transposon research in C. elegans has been mutually beneficial, providing genomic tools and advancing transposition knowledge.
  • Transposons have significantly contributed to understanding gene function and genome evolution in C. elegans.
  • Future applications may include engineering targeted mutations in the C. elegans genome using transposons.