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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

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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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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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DNA-only Transposons02:57

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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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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

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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.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

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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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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

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PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
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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.

Alexander Hayward1, Clément Gilbert2

  • 1Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK.

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|September 13, 2022
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transposable elements, or jumping genes, significantly influence eukaryotic genome evolution and host traits. Despite their abundance and impact, challenges remain in analyzing these mobile genetic sequences.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences found in most eukaryotic genomes.
  • TEs are known by various names, including transposons, jumping genes, and parasitic DNA.
  • They constitute a significant portion of eukaryotic genomic content and are abundant coding sequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize key aspects of transposable element biology in eukaryotes.
  • To discuss the varied influences of TEs on host biology and evolution.
  • To highlight outstanding research questions and challenges in TE analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on transposable element biology.
  • Analysis of the impact of TEs on host trait evolution.
  • Discussion of advancements and challenges in genome sequencing for TE research.

Main Results:

  • TEs contribute to the evolution of diverse host traits like internal gestation, memory, colouration, and adaptive immunity.
  • Recent genome sequencing advances facilitate TE research.
  • Significant challenges persist in detecting and analyzing TEs, hindering evolutionary and diversity studies.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements play a crucial role in eukaryotic genome evolution and host biology.
  • Further research is needed to overcome analytical challenges and fully understand TE diversity and influence.
  • Understanding TEs is vital for advancing evolutionary biology and disease research.