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transposon Definition

trans·po·son (trans pō′zän′)

noun

a segment of DNA that moves to a new location in a chromosome, or to another chromosome or cell, and alters the existing genetic instructions, sometimes producing significant changes

Etymology: transpos(able) + -on, as in operon

transposon Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • contain: The DNA was blotted onto a nylon membrane and the probe to the transposon was allowed to hybridize to those fragments containing the transposon.
  • use: The bollworm was modified using the piggyBac transposon that inserts at the sequence, TTAA in the chromosome ( see above ).

Adjective modifier

  • piggybac: The bollworm was modified using the piggyBac transposon that inserts at the sequence, TTAA in the chromosome ( see above ).
  • modified: The virus can also act as a vector for rapid spread of the modified transposon to a variety of insects.

Modifies a noun

  • mutagenesis: The function of genes located by transposon mutagenesis and sequencing was tested after sub-cloning of open reading frames into broad host range shuttle vectors.
  • insertion: For example, the chapters on transposon insertion, microscopy, gene disruption and analysis of Streptomyces DNA are all new.
  • mutant: The growth of these transposon mutants in vitro and in vivo is being tested.
  • grid: For the direct, high-throughput investigation of bacterial and oomycete genomes we have developed a transposon grid approach.