jumping gene

noun

, Informal.

1. transposon.

jumping gene

noun

1. a fragment of nucleic acid, such as a plasmid or a transposon, that can become incorporated into the DNA of a cell

jumping gene

/ jŭm′pĭng /

1. See transposon

Example Sentences

So-called jumping genes use the same enzymes to move their genetic sequences within their genome, but it wasn’t clear what role the generated DNA strands play in the infected cells.

From Science Magazine

Further, most of these repeats consist of retrotransposons, also called "jumping genes" or "mobile elements," which can move around and insert themselves repeatedly and randomly in human code.

From Science Daily

These duplicated resistance genes are often linked to "jumping genes" called transposons that can move from strain to strain.

From Science Daily

The results also showed that "jumping genes" -- transposable elements -- played a major role in creating new genetic variation for selection to act upon.

From Science Daily

Viruses, so-called jumping genes, and a few other mechanisms are thought to be involved.

From Science Magazine