Retrotransposons move within the genome by means of:
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Correct answer: RNA intermediates
Retrotransposons transpose via an RNA intermediate: the element is first transcribed into RNA, then reverse-transcribed back into DNA, which integrates at a new chromosomal site — a mechanism similar to the replication cycle of retroviruses.
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More Transposable Genetic Elements questions
- Which enzyme is required for retrotransposon movement?
- LINEs in eukaryotic genomes are best described as:
- Which of the following is a non-autonomous retrotransposon?
- Transposable elements can cause mutations primarily by:
- Which feature is common to most transposable elements?
- In eukaryotes, transposable elements constitute: