Jumping genes, also known as transposable elements, are segments of DNA that can move around within the genome of an organism. These elements can be found in the genome of almost all living organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals. They are thought to play a role in the evolution and diversity of species1,3,4,5.

Insertion of a transposon into the genome can have various effects: it can change the expression level of a gene, it can introduce new or remove functions, or it can have no effect at all. It is for this reason that transposons are credited as the largest generator of genetic diversity in plants, and therefore why they provide a novel answer to the problem of crop improvement1,3.
There are two main types of jumping genes: transposons and retrotransposons. Transposons are the simpler of the two and can move around the genome using a “cut and paste” mechanism. They are often referred to as “classical” transposable elements. Retrotransposons, on the other hand, use a “copy and paste” mechanism, in which they first make a copy of themselves before inserting it into a new location in the genome3,4,5.
Jumping genes can have both positive and negative effects on the organism in which they reside. On the positive side, they can introduce genetic diversity and new genetic functions into a population. For example, jumping genes have been implicated in the evolution of new genes, such as those involved in immunity, and in the adaptation of organisms to different environments. On the negative side, jumping genes can cause genetic diseases, including cancer, by disrupting normal gene function. They can also accumulate in the genome over time, leading to an increase in the size of the genome3,4.
Jumping genes are also important in agriculture, as they are the source of genetic variation in crop plants, which is essential for breeding new varieties. For example, the discovery of transposable elements in maize was an important step in the development of modern corn varieties2.
In conclusion, jumping genes are mobile DNA segments that can move around within an organism’s genome. They play an important role in evolution, genetic diversity, and adaptation but can also have negative effects on the organism, including disease, and can accumulate over time, increasing the genome size. They are also important in agriculture, as they are a source of genetic variation in crop plants. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of jumping genes and their impact on organisms3,4,5.
References:
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2009, August 28). Transposon | genetics. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/transposon Citation date: January 25, 2023
- (2022, May 15). 10.4: Transposons- “jumping genes.” Biology LibreTexts. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book:_Biology_(Kimball)/10:_Mutation/10.04:_Transposons_-_jumping_genes Citation date: January 25, 2023
- How do jumping genes cause disease, drive evolution? (Citation date: January 25, 2023). Carnegie Science. https://carnegiescience.edu/how-do-jumping-genes-cause-disease-drive-evolution Citation date: January 25, 2023
- “Jumping genes”: Real-time transposon activity in living cells | Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. (Citation date: January 25, 2023) https://www.igb.illinois.edu/article/jumping-genes-real-time-transposon-activity-living-cells
- Wilcox, C., PhD. (2022, March 15). Adapting with a Little Help from Jumping Genes. The Scientist Magazine®. Citation date: January 25, 2023 https://www.the-scientist.com/features/adapting-with-a-little-help-from-jumping-genes-69566
Figure Reference: Jumping genes: A way to comply with GMO regulations? – Tomato News. (Citation date: January 25, 2023). https://www.tomatonews.com/en/jumping-genes-a-way-to-comply-with-gmo-regulations_2_853.html
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