Class 1 retrotransposons and Class 2 DNA transposons.
They are transcribed into proteins that recognize specific DNA sequences, allowing them to insert themselves into the genome.
A transposable element is a piece of DNA that encodes means of replication, allowing it to make copies of itself.
About 45% of human DNA is made up of transposable elements.
Both can insert their genetic material into host genomes and replicate, with some retroviruses evolving from retrotransposons.
They use the cell's machinery to produce an mRNA copy, which is then reverse transcribed back into DNA and inserted into the genome.
It can be incorporated into every cell that descends from that germline, potentially leading to inherited traits or diseases.
They can disrupt gene function, leading to issues like premature stop codons or even cancer.
For certain elements, about 5 out of every 100 new human births will have a new insertion.
It depends on the element; some have specific sites they insert into, while others may insert more randomly.
They can trick the cell into making copies for them, essentially acting like parasites.
The genome is continuously changing, with transposable elements stealing and copying sequences, contributing to evolution.
They have facilitated the creation of diverse antibodies by allowing for the rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes.
