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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes
Published on: February 14, 2020
25.3K
An unusually compact retrotransposon in maize.
M A Johns1, M S Babcock, S M Fuerstenberg
1Plant Molecular Biology Center, Northern Illinois University, 60115, DeKalb, IL, USA.
Plant Molecular Biology
|November 26, 2013
Summary
The maize transposable element Bs1, a short retrotransposon, shows similarities to those in yeast and Drosophila. Despite lacking observed transcription, Bs1 is likely active, evidenced by its transposition in maize.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Plant Science
Background:
- Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements found in various organisms, including yeast and Drosophila.
- The maize transposable element Bs1 shares structural and sequence similarities with known retrotransposons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the maize transposable element Bs1.
- To investigate the potential activity and genetic organization of Bs1.
Main Methods:
- Sequence analysis of the Bs1 element, including its long terminal repeats (LTRs).
- Comparison of Bs1's genetic organization and protein sequences with known retroviral enzymes.
- Transposition assays in maize to assess Bs1 activity.
Main Results:
- Bs1 is a short retrotransposon (3203 bp) with identical 302 bp LTRs.
- Bs1 possesses open reading frames similar to reverse transcriptase and other retroviral pol gene enzymes.
- Bs1 was observed to transpose in a maize line, suggesting it is an active element.
Conclusions:
- Bs1 represents a unique plant retrotransposon with distinct genetic organization.
- The observed transposition indicates Bs1 is a functional mobile genetic element in maize.
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