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Related Concept Videos

DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

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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, 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...
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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...
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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.
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Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

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While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
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Transposons, Genome Size, and Evolutionary Insights in Animals.

Adriana Canapa1, Marco Barucca, Maria A Biscotti

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Genome size variations in 161 animal species are linked to transposable elements (TEs). TE activity may respond to environmental changes, influencing evolution and organism traits.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Genome size varies significantly across animal species.
  • Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can alter genome size.
  • Environmental stressors can influence evolutionary trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between genome size and TE percentage in animal species.
  • To explore the role of TEs in genome evolution and adaptation.
  • To identify mechanisms regulating TE activity.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of genome size and TE content across 161 animal species.
  • Correlation studies to link TE dynamics with evolutionary periods and environmental adaptations.
  • Review of molecular mechanisms controlling TE activity.

Main Results:

  • A strong correlation was found between genome size and the percentage of TEs.
  • TE amplification or contraction is a primary driver of genome size variation.
  • TE activity appears responsive to environmental stressors, with differing trends in protostomes and deuterostomes.
  • Changes in genome size and TE presence impact cellular and organismal morphology and function.

Conclusions:

  • Genome size evolution is intricately linked to the dynamics of transposable elements.
  • TEs play a significant role in adaptation and the evolution of organismal traits.
  • Mechanisms like methylation and small RNA silencing are crucial for balancing TE activity and maintaining genome stability.