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