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Transposons and Viruses definitions

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  • Mobile Genetic Elements
    Small DNA segments found in all cells, capable of inserting into various genome locations and driving genetic diversity.
  • Transposon
    A DNA sequence that can change its position within the genome, often called a jumping gene.
  • DNA Transposon
    A mobile element moving via a DNA intermediate, typically using a cut-and-paste mechanism.
  • Retrotransposon
    A mobile element moving through an RNA intermediate, requiring reverse transcription to reinsert into DNA.
  • Reverse Transcriptase
    An enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, essential for retrotransposon and retrovirus integration.
  • Inverted Repeat
    Short, repeated DNA sequences flanking transposons, crucial for their recognition and movement.
  • Long Terminal Repeat
    Directly repeated sequences, 200–600 base pairs long, flanking certain retrotransposons.
  • LINE
    Long interspersed nuclear element, a type of non-LTR retrotransposon, often several kilobases in length.
  • SINE
    Short interspersed nuclear element, a non-coding retrotransposon, typically around 300 base pairs long.
  • ALU Element
    A highly abundant SINE in the human genome, actively moving and comprising a significant portion of genetic material.
  • Transposase
    A protein encoded by DNA transposons, responsible for excising and relocating the transposon within the genome.
  • Virus
    A simple infectious agent with a protein coat and genetic material, capable of integrating into host genomes.
  • Bacteriophage
    A virus that infects bacteria, often inserting its genome into the bacterial chromosome.
  • Retrovirus
    A virus with an RNA genome that uses reverse transcription to integrate into host DNA.
  • Integrase
    A viral enzyme that facilitates the insertion of viral DNA into the host genome.