Concept explainers
To explain:
How transposons could have led to selective advantages in organisms.
Introduction:
Transposons are genetic sequences that can more across the genome. That is why they are also called jumping genes. This leads to the change of
Explanation of Solution
The movement of transposons led to the change in the ORF (open reading frame). This could hinder the protein synthesis, thus acting as a regulator. At times it is possible this happened in an important gene and the organisms were affected adversely. On the other hand it is possible that a harmful gene was silenced.
For example: If a transposon got incorporated into the gene that codes for the colour of an insect with a red coat then the organisms will no longer be red. It is possible that the predators will not be able to find its prey as it no longer is coloured. As this insect survives, it will reproduce and spread its genes (natural selection). Thus, in this case transposons led to selective advantage in a species.
The numerous repeat sequences found in organisms are thought to have been the work of transposons. The corn kernel colour change is also attributed to the jumping genes.
Transposons change the nucleotide sequences at random. There are chances that these changes could lead to advantages in species and cause evolution.
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