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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
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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...
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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Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...

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Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
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Transposable elements domesticated and neofunctionalized by eukaryotic genomes.

Ahmed M Alzohairy1, Gábor Gyulai, Robert K Jansen

  • 1Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt. amansour@zu.edu.eg

Plasmid
|September 11, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Prokaryotic transposable elements (TEs) reshape genomes by replicating and moving within host DNA. Some TEs become functional genes, or genomic fossils, in eukaryotes, sometimes triggered by environmental stressors.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Whole genome sequencing reveals extensive information on repetitive DNA sequences (repDNA).
  • Prokaryotic transposable elements (TEs) are key drivers of genome evolution, restructuring host genes.
  • Autonomous TEs can be domesticated into host genomes, functioning as genomic fossils.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the domestication events of transposable elements in eukaryotic genomes.
  • To explore the role of TEs in shaping host gene and genome evolution.
  • To discuss instances where TE domestication is influenced by environmental factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on transposable elements and genome evolution.
  • Analysis of examples of TE domestication events.
  • Examination of the impact of biotic and abiotic stressors on TE activity.

Main Results:

  • Transposable elements significantly contribute to the origin and diversity of repDNA.
  • TEs act as major forces in restructuring host genes and genomes during evolution.
  • Domestication of autonomous TEs leads to their integration as functional genes (genomic fossils) in eukaryotes.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements play a crucial role in genome evolution through their movement and integration.
  • The domestication of TEs into host genomes represents a significant evolutionary event.
  • Environmental stressors can induce or influence TE domestication events, impacting host genomes.