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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...
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...
Organization of Genes02:07

Organization of Genes

Overview
Organization of Genes02:07

Organization of Genes

Overview
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...
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 14, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
04:04

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity

Published on: January 20, 2023

Transposable Elements: No More 'Junk DNA'.

Yun-Ji Kim1, Jungnam Lee, Kyudong Han

  • 1Department of Nanobiomedical Science, WCU Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Korea.

Genomics & Informatics
|January 25, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transposable elements (TEs), once dismissed as "junk" DNA, actively shape primate genomes. This review explores how Alu, L1, human endogenous retrovirus, and SVA elements drive genomic variation in humans and chimpanzees.

Keywords:
Alu elementsDNA transposable elementsSVAendogenous retroviruseslong interspersed nucleotide elements

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
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RNA Next-Generation Sequencing and a Bioinformatics Pipeline to Identify Expressed LINE-1s at the Locus-Specific Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Published on: April 23, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant in eukaryotic genomes and are increasingly recognized for their functional roles.
  • Historically considered "junk" DNA, TEs are now known to influence genome structure and evolution.
  • Their mechanisms of action, including insertions and recombination, contribute significantly to genetic variation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the significant impact of specific transposable elements on primate genome evolution.
  • To elucidate the diverse functions and mechanisms by which TEs contribute to genomic and genetic variations.
  • To compare the effects of TEs on the human and chimpanzee genomes since their divergence.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on studies of transposable elements in primate genomes.
  • Analysis of mechanisms such as de novo TE insertions, TE insertion-mediated deletions, and recombination events.
  • Comparative genomics approach examining human and chimpanzee genomes.

Main Results:

  • Transposable elements are key drivers of genomic and genetic variation in eukaryotes.
  • Specific TEs like Alu, L1, human endogenous retroviruses, and SVA elements have distinct mechanisms of genome manipulation.
  • These elements have played a crucial role in shaping the divergence of human and chimpanzee genomes.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements are integral components of genome evolution, not mere genomic parasites.
  • Understanding TE functions is essential for comprehending genome plasticity and evolutionary trajectories.
  • The comparative study of TEs in primates highlights their dynamic role in shaping species-specific genomic landscapes.