Chapter 13, Problem 6P

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

In the hybrid dysgenesis of D. melanogaster, it shows the transposition repressor coded by the P element.

This repressor limits the number of P elements in a genome.

What is the advantage of limiting the P elements in the genome?

Introduction:

Transposition is the movement of transposable elements from one site to another.

These are DNA sequences having various sizes and sequence arrangement. They move throughout the genome to increase their own copy number. In the $\text{1930s}$, Barbara McClintock discovered transposition in studies of a mutant phenotype of kernel color in maize. Transposable elements create mutations by their insertion into wild type alleles or functional genes.

P $\text{-}$ elements in Drosophila are transposable elements that are transposed only in the germ cells.