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DNA-only Transposons

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...

Transposons

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 Recombination

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...

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

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...

LTR Retrotransposons

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...

Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation

Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation

Because the DNA segments are cut and reorganized in a direction-specific manner, site-specific recombination has emerged as an efficient genetic engineering technique. Flippase and Cyclization recombinases or Flp and Cre, respectively, are two members of the tyrosine recombinase family derived from bacteriophages, that are used to mediate site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and targeted expression of proteins in mammalian cell lines.
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach

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

Mobilization of transposons : rationale and techniques for detection.

¹VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.

Methods in Molecular Medicine

|March 5, 2011

Summary

Bacteria share genetic information, especially antimicrobial resistance determinants, using plasmids and transposons. This adaptation is crucial for human pathogens and aids in the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Genetics
Bacterial Adaptation

Background:

Bacteria possess adaptive mechanisms crucial for survival, particularly pathogenic strains affecting humans.
Genetic information exchange is a frequent and significant adaptive strategy in bacterial populations.
Antimicrobial resistance determinant exchange is a well-studied aspect due to its clinical importance and ease of tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the significance of genetic information sharing in bacterial adaptation.
To emphasize the role of antimicrobial resistance determinant exchange in bacterial evolution.
To identify the primary mechanisms facilitating the spread of resistance.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on bacterial genetic exchange.

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Creation of a Dense Transposon Insertion Library Using Bacterial Conjugation in Enterobacterial Strains Such As Escherichia Coli or Shigella flexneri

Creation of a Dense Transposon Insertion Library Using Bacterial Conjugation in Enterobacterial Strains Such As Escherichia Coli or Shigella flexneri

Published on: September 23, 2017

Generation of Enterobacter sp. YSU Auxotrophs Using Transposon Mutagenesis

Generation of Enterobacter sp. YSU Auxotrophs Using Transposon Mutagenesis

Published on: October 31, 2014

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach

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

Creation of a Dense Transposon Insertion Library Using Bacterial Conjugation in Enterobacterial Strains Such As Escherichia Coli or Shigella flexneri

Creation of a Dense Transposon Insertion Library Using Bacterial Conjugation in Enterobacterial Strains Such As Escherichia Coli or Shigella flexneri

Published on: September 23, 2017

Generation of Enterobacter sp. YSU Auxotrophs Using Transposon Mutagenesis

Generation of Enterobacter sp. YSU Auxotrophs Using Transposon Mutagenesis

Published on: October 31, 2014

Analysis of studies focusing on antimicrobial resistance dissemination.

Identification of common genetic elements involved in transfer.

Main Results:

Genetic exchange is a fundamental adaptive mechanism for bacteria.
Plasmids and transposons are the principal vectors for transferring genetic material, including resistance determinants.
The movement of resistance determinants is readily observable and clinically significant.

Conclusions:

Bacterial genetic exchange, particularly of resistance genes, is a critical factor in pathogen adaptation and evolution.
Plasmids and transposons play a vital role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Understanding these mechanisms is essential for combating the spread of antibiotic resistance.