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...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics