Mobile DNA sequences that jump within the genome, discovered by Barbara McClintock in maize.
Class I (retrotransposons) copy via RNA and class II (DNA transposons) cut and paste. About half of the human genome comes from such elements, such as Alu and LINE-1. They can cause mutations by inserting into genes and contribute to genome evolution and regulation.
McClintock won a Nobel Prize in 1983.
Mobile DNA sequences that jump within the genome, discovered by Barbara McClintock in maize.
Transposable Elements is one of the 54 topics in Genetics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Quantitative Trait Loci, Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders, Mitochondrial Inheritance.
Variegated corn kernels arise when a transposon jumps in and out of a pigment gene.
Work through the Beginner topics in Genetics first, such as Heredity, Gene, Allele, then return to Transposable Elements. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Transposable Elements are Quantitative Trait Loci, Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders, Mitochondrial Inheritance, Genomic Imprinting. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Transposable Elements. To practise the whole of Genetics, use the Genetics quiz.
Transposable Elements: Mobile DNA sequences that jump within the genome, discovered by Barbara McClintock in maize. Quantitative Trait Loci: Regions of the genome statistically associated with variation in continuous traits. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Quantitative Trait Loci and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Genetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Regions of the genome statistically associated with variation in continuous traits.
🧬 GeneticsDiseases such as Huntington's caused by unstable expansion of three-base repeats.
🧬 GeneticsMitochondrial DNA is passed almost exclusively from the mother, giving maternal inheritance patterns.
🧬 GeneticsParent-of-origin-specific gene expression caused by epigenetic marks, as seen in IGF2 and H19.
🧬 Genetics