Monday, March 26, 2012

Jumping Genes


I found this video interesting because it talks about the effects of transposons, or jumping genes. They use chromosomes of organisms and "jump" between different parts of the genome.  It has been observed that transpons avoid inserting themselves into active genes, allowing their hosts to continue functioning. According to this video, it seems as though transposons are helpful parasites that attempt to "live" longer by allowing the organism in which they inhabit, or their host, to survive. For example, transposons can cells capable of surviving in stressful conditions, such as in cold and salty environments. 98% of DNA of some plants are derived from transposons, which seem to diversify genetic material.

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