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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...
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...
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...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
Gene Conversion02:08

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...
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: May 16, 2026

Genetic Mapping of Thermotolerance Differences Between Species of Saccharomyces Yeast via Genome-Wide Reciprocal Hemizygosity Analysis
10:08

Genetic Mapping of Thermotolerance Differences Between Species of Saccharomyces Yeast via Genome-Wide Reciprocal Hemizygosity Analysis

Published on: August 12, 2019

Active transposition in genomes.

Cheng Ran Lisa Huang1, Kathleen H Burns, Jef D Boeke

  • 1Institute of Genetic Medicine and High Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. chuang36@jhmi.edu

Annual Review of Genetics
|November 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transposons, mobile DNA sequences, are actively reshaping genomes in plants and animals. Genomic technologies reveal their widespread, ongoing activity impacts gene structure and evolution across diverse species.

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Generating Transposon Insertion Libraries in Gram-Negative Bacteria for High-Throughput Sequencing
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Generating Transposon Insertion Libraries in Gram-Negative Bacteria for High-Throughput Sequencing

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Genetic Mapping of Thermotolerance Differences Between Species of Saccharomyces Yeast via Genome-Wide Reciprocal Hemizygosity Analysis
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Area of Science:

  • Genomics and Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposons, also known as jumping genes, are mobile DNA elements within genomes.
  • Historically, their activity was considered limited, but recent evidence suggests widespread movement.
  • Understanding transposon activity is crucial for comprehending genome dynamics and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current evidence of transposon activity across various plant and animal genomes.
  • To highlight the impact of active transposons on gene structure, function, and genome evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of recent genomic studies.
  • Analysis of data from diverse plant and animal species.
  • Utilizing advanced genomic technologies to detect and measure transposon activity.

Main Results:

  • Ongoing transposon activity is prevalent across plants, animals, and humans.
  • Active transposons generate new insertions, significantly altering gene structure and function.
  • Evidence confirms the substantial role of transposons in genome evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Transposon activity is a fundamental and widespread biological phenomenon.
  • Active transposons are key drivers of genomic innovation and evolution.
  • Continued research using genomic technologies is essential for understanding their full impact.