Transposable Genetic Elements · Zoology

The primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transposable elements is that:

  1. Prokaryotic elements are permanently immobile
  2. Eukaryotic elements frequently use RNA intermediates
  3. Prokaryotic elements lack transposase entirely
  4. Eukaryotic elements reside only on plasmids
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Correct answer: Eukaryotic elements frequently use RNA intermediates

The most common transposable elements in eukaryotes are retrotransposons, which transpose via an RNA intermediate (transcription followed by reverse transcription). Prokaryotic transposons, such as Tn3, move primarily as DNA without an RNA step.

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