jumping gene
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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)