transposons

Discrete mobile sequences in the genome that can transport themselves directly from one part of the genome to another without the use of a vehicle such as a phage or plasmid DNA. They are able to move by making DNA copies of their RNA transcripts which are then incorporated into the genome at a new site. Sometimes called ‘jumping genes’.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Mentioned in

cointegrate
cointegrate structure
insertion sequence
jumping gene
mobile genetic element
multiple drug resistance
mutational gene rearrangement
repeat
resolvase
retrotransposon
RNA-mediated interference
tandem repeat
transposable element
transposable genetic element
transposon

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