Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 14 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition
Klug - Essentials of Genetics 10th Edition
Klug10th EditionEssentials of GeneticsISBN: 9780135588789Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksKlug 10th EditionCh. 14 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and TranspositionProblem 18
Chapter 14, Problem 18

Compare DNA transposons and retrotransposons. What properties do they share?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Start by defining DNA transposons and retrotransposons to understand their basic nature: DNA transposons move via a 'cut-and-paste' mechanism using DNA intermediates, while retrotransposons move via a 'copy-and-paste' mechanism using an RNA intermediate.
Identify the key mechanism of transposition for each: DNA transposons use a transposase enzyme to excise and insert themselves directly as DNA, whereas retrotransposons use reverse transcriptase to convert RNA back into DNA before insertion.
List the shared properties by focusing on their common roles and features, such as both being mobile genetic elements capable of moving within the genome and both contributing to genome plasticity and evolution.
Highlight that both types can cause mutations or genomic rearrangements when they insert into new locations, affecting gene function or regulation.
Summarize by noting that despite differences in their transposition mechanisms, DNA transposons and retrotransposons share the fundamental property of being transposable elements that can move within the genome and impact genetic diversity.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Transposons

DNA transposons are mobile genetic elements that move within the genome via a 'cut-and-paste' mechanism. They excise themselves from one location and insert into another without an RNA intermediate, often using a transposase enzyme. This movement can cause mutations or genome rearrangements.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:45
DNA Proofreading

Retrotransposons

Retrotransposons move through a 'copy-and-paste' mechanism involving an RNA intermediate. They are transcribed into RNA, then reverse-transcribed back into DNA, which integrates at a new genomic site. This process increases their copy number and can impact genome size and function.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:14
Eukaryotic Transposable Elements

Shared Properties of Transposons

Both DNA transposons and retrotransposons are types of transposable elements that can move within the genome, contributing to genetic diversity and evolution. They can disrupt gene function or regulation and often carry sequences that facilitate their mobility, such as terminal repeats or coding for enzymes like transposase or reverse transcriptase.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:10
Prokaryotic Transposable Elements
Related Practice
Textbook Question

A significant number of mutations in the HBB gene that cause human β-thalassemia occur within introns or in upstream noncoding sequences. Explain why mutations in these regions often lead to severe disease, although they may not directly alter the coding regions of the gene.

709
views
Textbook Question

Describe how the Ames test screens for potential environmental mutagens. Why is it thought that a compound that tests positively in the Ames test may also be carcinogenic?

1022
views
Textbook Question

What genetic defects result in the disorder xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) in humans? How do these defects create the phenotypes associated with the disorder?

596
views
Textbook Question

In maize, a Ds or Ac transposon can alter the function of genes at or near the site of transposon insertion. It is possible for these elements to transpose away from their original insertion site, causing a reversion of the mutant phenotype. In some cases, however, even more severe phenotypes appear, due to events at or near the mutant allele. What might be happening to the transposon or the nearby gene to create more severe mutations?

429
views
Textbook Question

It is estimated that about 0.2 percent of human mutations are due to TE insertions, and a much higher degree of mutational damage is known to occur in some other organisms. In what way might a TE insertion contribute positively to evolution?

442
views
Textbook Question

In a bacterial culture in which all cells are unable to synthesize leucine (leu⁻), a potent mutagen is added, and the cells are allowed to undergo one round of replication. At that point, samples are taken, a series of dilutions are made, and the cells are plated on either minimal medium or minimal medium containing leucine. The first culture condition (minimal medium) allows the growth of only leu⁺ cells, while the second culture condition (minimal medium with leucine added) allows growth of all cells. The results of the experiment are as follows:

What is the rate of mutation at the locus associated with leucine biosynthesis?

705
views