Transposable Genetic Elements · Zoology

Which type of transposon uses a cut-and-paste mechanism?

  1. Retrotransposon
  2. DNA transposon
  3. LINE (Long Interspersed Nuclear Element)
  4. SINE (Short Interspersed Nuclear Element)
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Correct answer: DNA transposon

DNA transposons move via a cut-and-paste mechanism: transposase excises the element from the donor site and inserts it at a new target. No RNA intermediate is involved, distinguishing them from retrotransposons, which transpose via reverse transcription of an RNA copy.

Difficulty: Medium Question 19 of 20

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