What are transposons?

Transposons, often referred to as "jumping genes," are segments of DNA that can change their position within the genome of a single cell. This unique ability allows them to insert themselves into different locations in the genome, which can lead to various genetic effects, including mutations, gene expression changes, and genomic rearrangements. Their movement is facilitated by specific enzymes known as transposases, which are encoded by the transposons themselves.

The nature of transposons plays a significant role in genetic diversity and evolution, as they can contribute to the rearrangement and modulation of genetic material. By jumping between genes or regulatory regions, they can disrupt existing genes or create new combinations of genetic material, potentially giving rise to new traits, phenotypes, or variations that can be acted upon by natural selection.

In contrast, proteins involved in DNA replication, short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, and enzymes that repair DNA serve entirely different functions within the cell. While all these components are essential for maintaining and regulating genetic information, they do not share the DNA movement characteristic that defines transposons.