Dictionary > Transposition

Transposition

Definition
noun, plural: transpositions
(genetics) The transfer of a segment of DNA from one site to another of a chromosome
(general) The state of being removed and transposed from one place to another
Supplement
In genetics, the term transposition refers to the removal and the transfer of a segment of DNA from one site to another of the same or different chromosome. It is different from the transfer of genes from parents to offspring through reproductive mechanisms such as sexual and asexual reproduction (vertical gene transfer). In transposition, the genes are transferred from one organism to another through copying and inserting process. Transposition accounts for the antibiotic resistance and transmission of virulence in certain bacteria.1, 2 The mobile DNA segment that is associated with transposition is called transposon or jumping genes.
Synonym(s):

  • horizontal gene transfer (or HGT) (genetics)
  • lateral gene transfer (or LGT) (genetics)

Compare:

  • vertical gene transfer
  • See also:

    • transposon
    • transposase
    • Blue baby
    • Clubbing
    • Balloonseptostomy

    Related term(s):

  • Corrected transposition of the great vessels
  • Reference(s):

    1 Gyles, C; Boerlin P (March 2014). “Horizontally transferred genetic elements and their role in pathogenesis of bacterial disease”. Veterinary Pathology 51 (2): 328–340.

    1 Keen, E. C. (December 2012). “Paradigms of pathogenesis: Targeting the mobile genetic elements of disease”. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 2: 161.


    You will also like...

    Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
    Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

    Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....

    Lotic community of algal species
    Lotic Communities & Algae

    Lotic communities have conditions that are rather harsh for typical plants. Thus, the diversity of plant species in loti..

    Physical growth
    Physical Development in Humans

    This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

    Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems
    Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems

    There are many environmental factors that arise due to the usage of water in one way or another and for every action tha..

    Freshwater lake ecosystem
    Freshwater Producers and Consumers

    Freshwater ecosystem is comprised of four major constituents, namely elements and compounds, plants, consumers, and deco..

    vitamins
    A Balanced Vitamin Diet – Vitamins A – K

    A balanced diet is essential to a healthy organism. Insufficiency or too much of a particular element or compound, such ..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics