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retrotransposon (class 1 transposon)
- moves &/or multiplies in the genome by being transcribed to RNA, then back to DNA by reverse transcriptase
- evolution of autosomal retrogenes from X-linked progenitors compensates for X-chromosome silencing during male meiosis
3 main classes:
- viral:
- encode reverse transcriptase
- have long terminal repeats (LTRs)
- similar to retroviruses
- LINEs:
- encode reverse transcriptase
- lack LTRs
- transcribed by RNA polymerase 2
- nonviral superfamily:
- do not code for reverse transcriptase
- transcribed by RNA polymerase 3
Related
mammalian retrotransposon-derived protein
retrotransposon gag domain-containing protein (RGAG)
General
transposon (jumping gene, transposable element, mobile genetic element, selfish DNA)
References
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transposon
- McClintock, B.
The origin and behavior of mutable loci in maize.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (1950) 36(6): 344-55.
PMID: 15430309