Definition

Noun: A jumping gene is a segment of DNA that has the ability to move from one location to another within the genome of a single cell. This process is called transposition.

Usage and Examples

• The discovery of the jumping gene revolutionized our understanding of genetic mutation and genome evolution.
• Scientists study jumping genes to learn how they can cause diseases or drive genetic diversity.
• A jumping gene can disrupt the function of a normal gene when it inserts itself into it.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In genetics, a jumping gene is formally known as a or . It is a fundamental concept for understanding genetic instability, adaptation, and the dynamic nature of genomes.
• Mechanism: The "jumping" refers to transposition, which can be a "copy-and-paste" or a "cut-and-paste" mechanism at the DNA level.

Variants and Related Words

• Transposon (n): The formal, scientific term for a jumping gene.
• Transposable element (n): Another formal synonym for a jumping gene.
• Retrotransposon (n): A type of jumping gene that moves via an RNA intermediate.

Synonyms

• Transposon
• Transposable element
• Mobile genetic element

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Transposition (n): The process by which a jumping gene moves.
• Insertion sequence (n): A simple type of bacterial jumping gene.
• Mutagen (n): An agent that causes genetic mutation; jumping genes are biological mutagens.

Noun

1. a segment of DNA that can become integrated at many different sites along a chromosome (especially a segment of bacterial DNA that can be translocated as a whole)