transposon

[ trans-poh-zon ]

Genetics.

1. a segment of DNA that is capable of inserting copies of itself into other DNA sites within the same cell.

transposon

/ trænsˈpəʊzɒn /

noun

1. genetics a genetic element that can move from one site in a chromosome to another site in the same or a different chromosome and thus alter the genetic constitution of the organism

transposon

/ trăns-pō′zŏn /

1. A segment of DNA that is capable of independently replicating itself and inserting the copy into a new position within the same or another chromosome or plasmid. Transposons act somewhat similarly to viruses and in humans are an underlying cause of hemophilia, certain cancers, and other diseases. In other organisms, they can become a permanent and even beneficial part of the genome, as in maize corn, where transposons account for half the genome, and certain bacteria, where genes for antibiotic resistance can spread by means of transposons.
2. Also called jumping gene

transposon

1. Segments of DNA that shift from one area of a genome to another. Previously called jumping genes .

Word History and Origins

Origin of transposon¹

First recorded in 1974; transpos(ition) + -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of transposon¹

C20: from transpos ( e ) + -on

Example Sentences

The latest research dives deeper into these shape transitions by employing a holistic and collaborative approach that integrates transposon insertion screens, quantitative proteomics, reverse genetics, and advanced microscopy.

From Science Daily

There is evidence of repeating genetic code near the spots where genes are missing, which might point to transposon activity, Dr. Small said.

From New York Times

In 2021 Wang discovered a transposon that activates a critical gene in mouse embryos; delete that single transposon, and many of the embryos die.

From Scientific American

That study suggested that the virus-based transposon has been "broadly repurposed" by other mammals including humans.

From Salon

In the species with sterile workers, older workers have higher transposon activity; in the species where older workers can reproduce, they show better defense against damage from transposons.

From Science Magazine