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Transposable Elements in Eukaryotes definitions

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  • Retrotransposon
    A genetic element that moves via an RNA intermediate, requiring reverse transcription before integrating into new genomic locations.
  • DNA Transposon
    A mobile genetic sequence that relocates directly as DNA, often using a cut-and-paste mechanism within the genome.
  • Reverse Transcriptase
    An enzyme responsible for synthesizing DNA from an RNA template, enabling certain genetic elements to integrate into genomes.
  • Long Terminal Repeat
    A repeated DNA sequence found at both ends of some retrotransposons, crucial for their integration and replication.
  • P Element
    A DNA transposon in fruit flies that can disrupt genes, leading to mutations and sterility in specific genetic crosses.
  • Hybrid Dysgenesis
    A syndrome in fruit fly offspring marked by mutations, sterility, and chromosomal breakage due to active transposon movement.
  • SINE
    A short, non-coding retrotransposon abundant in the human genome, with ALU being the most prevalent type.
  • LINE
    A long, autonomous retrotransposon in humans, with L1 elements being the most active and numerous.
  • ALU
    A highly repetitive SINE in humans, present in hundreds of thousands of copies, capable of occasional genomic movement.
  • L1
    A LINE element in humans, present in tens of thousands of copies, some of which remain capable of transposition.
  • Safe Haven
    A genomic region, such as an intron, where transposable elements can insert without disrupting gene function.
  • Chromosomal Rearrangement
    A structural alteration in chromosomes, often caused by transposon activity, that can impact gene expression and evolution.
  • Provirus
    A DNA sequence derived from a virus that has integrated into a host genome, often as a result of retrotransposon evolution.
  • Transposase
    A protein that catalyzes the movement of DNA transposons, enabling their excision and reintegration within the genome.
  • Gene Regulation
    The modulation of gene activity, which can be influenced by transposable elements inserting near or within regulatory regions.