transposon

American  

[trans-poh-zon] / trænsˈpoʊ zɒn /

Genetics.

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

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transposon British  

/ 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

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transposon Scientific  

/ 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

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transposon Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of transposon

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

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 • Mar. 6, 2024

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 • Jul. 7, 2022

A newly inserted transposon won’t be passed on to the next generation if it causes its host to be sterile, for example.

From Scientific American • Feb. 2, 2022

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

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2021

Judith Korb, who studies aging in termites at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, compared transposon activity in two termite species.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 25, 2021