Transposon

Transposon

A Transposon or Transposable element is a DNA sequence that can change its position within a genome, sometimes creating or reversing mutations and altering the cell's genetic identity and genome size. Transposons are also referred to as "jumping genes" or "mobile genetic elements".

History

The concept of transposons was first proposed by Barbara McClintock in 1948, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983 for her discovery.

Types

Transposons are categorized into two major types: Class I (Retrotransposons) and Class II (DNA transposons).

Class I: Retrotransposons

Retrotransposons replicate by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Class II: DNA transposons

DNA transposons move directly from one position to another within the genome through a "cut and paste" mechanism.

Mechanism

Transposons can create phenotypically significant mutations and alter the genome size of the host organism. They can act as mutagens that can promote sufficient genetic variation to drive evolution.

Role in disease

Transposons can cause diseases by disrupting genes or altering gene expression. For example, they have been implicated in hemophilia, Porphyria, and cancer.

See also

• Genetic recombination
• Insertion sequence
• Integron
• P element
• Transposable element

External links

• Barbara McClintock and the Discovery of Jumping Genes (Transposons) on Nature Education

Transposon Resources
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