transposable element, a mobile genetic element that can "jump" from place to place in a genome.

When a piece of DNA moves from one place in a genome to another place, that is called a transposition. The name "transposon" is short for transposable element. Like a normal gene, a transposon specifies how to make a particular protein. In this case, the resulting protein can cut and paste DNA. It snips out the transposon, which is then re-inserted somewhere else. When transposons were first found (in maize), they were referred to as "jumping genes". Their special property turns out to increase their chance of being reproduced. (They turn out to be "selfish".) That alone probably explains why they are found in so many species. If they happen by accident, they aren't likely to go away. And, they have all the right properties for making the occasional jump from one species to another.

A transposable genetic element that moves as a unit and inserts at new locations.

A jumping gene; segment of DNA containing insertion sequences plus one or more genes not related to transposition (Lecture: Bacterial Molecular Genetics II, 2/7/02)

Transposable element in either prokaryote or eukaryote. May contain its own transposase enzyme gene. Usually is flanked by direct or indirect repeat sequences.

A genetic element which, in addition to encoding the proteins required for its own transposition, confers one or more new observable phenotypes (often resistance to one or more specific drugs) on the host cell.

(trans- poh-son) [L. transponere, to change the position of] A transposable genetic element; a mobile segment of DNA that serves as an agent of genetic change.

A segment of DNA, usually in a prokaryote, that randomly inserts itself into a different part of a cell's genome. Usually more than 5000 base pairs in length (though eukaryotic transposons are generally much shorter).

A mobile genetic element able to replicate and insert a copy of itself at a new location in the genome.

a segment of DNA that can become integrated at many different sites along a chromosome (especially a segment of bacterial DNA that can be translocated as a whole)

a DNA sequence that will occasionally make a copy of itself and insert that copy into another part of the genome

a gene that is able to move or copy itself from one chromosome to another

a mobile section of DNA

a piece of DNA that can move from one location to another in a cell's genome

a piece of DNA that is flanked by two insertion elements (IS elements) oriented opposite (a palindrome)

a short mobile DNA sequence which may carry one or more genes for resistance

a type of gene, common in organisms ranging from algae to humans, that literally jumps from one cell site to another

A type of transposable element which, in addition to genes involved in transposition, carries other genes; often genes conferring selectable phenotypes such as antibiotic and metal resistance or catabolism of rarely encountered substrates, e.g. polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

See Mobile genetic element.

transposable or movable genetic element. A relatively small DNA segment that has the ability to move (mobile genetic element) from one chromosomal position to another, e.g., Tn 5 is a bacterial transposon that carries the genes for resistance to the antibiotics neomycin and kanamycin and the genetic information for insertion and excision of the transposon.

any DNA sequence that can move about the genome, either by replicating itself, or by a cut-and-paste mechanism. In its simplest form, it is a transposase gene (see above) surrounded by a sequence on either side repeated directly or in inverse form, e.g. ATTGCGC and CGCGTTA are inverted repeats. Return to text.

DNA element capable of moving (transposing) from one location in genome to another in the same cell through the action of transposase.

A short DNA sequence that has the ability to move from one chromosomal position to another.

Segment of DNA that moves to a new location in a chromosome, or to another chromosome, and alters the existing genetic instructions, sometimes producing significant changes. They are able to trigger changes in gene expression by shutting of genes or causing insertion mutations.

A mobile piece of DNA that is flanked by terminal repeat sequences and typically bears genes encoding transposition functions.

A genetic element found in nature that is able to replicate and insert a copy at a new location in the genome.

DNA segment that carries the genes required for transposition and can move from one place to another in the genome. Often carries genes unrelated to transposition as well.

A discrete piece of DNA that can insert itself into other DNA sequences within the cell. The ends of the transposon DNA are usually inverted repeats. ( 10)

Transposons are sequences of DNA that can move around to different positions within the genome of a single cell, a process called transposition. In the process, they can cause mutations and change the amount of DNA in the genome. Transposons are also called "jumping genes" or "mobile genetic elements".