Molecular Basis of Inheritance Question 91
91. DNA elements which can switch their position are called
(a) exons
(b) introns
(c) cistrons
(d) transposons
Show Answer
Answer : d
Hints & Solution
(d) Transposons are sequences of DNA that can move around to different positions within the genome of a single cell, and the process is called transposition. In the process, they can cause mutations and change the amount of DNA in the genome. Transposons are also called “jumping genes” or “mobile genetic elements”. Discovered by Barbara McClintock early in her career, the topic went on to be a Nobel winning work in 1983 . There are a variety of mobile genetic elements, and they can be grouped based on their mechanism of transposition.
