Transposable element

Summary

A transposable element (TE), also known as transposons, jumping gene, or mobile genetic element, are DNA sequences that can change their position, or translocate, within a genome. TEs were first identified via genetic studies in maize by Barbara McClintock, a discovery for which she was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. TEs are found in most species across all branches of the tree of life. Currently there are two classifications of TEs: Class I and Class II TEs. Class I TEs or retrotransposons, generally function via utilization of reverse transcription to "copy and paste" themselves into a different area of the genome. Class II TEs or DNA transposons, encode for the protein transposase, which they require for insertion, excision, or other TE functions.