Jumpin' Genes |
| Transposons are segments of DNA that can move around or be copied to different positions in the genome of a single cell. In the process, they may increase or decrease the amount of DNA in the genome. Barbara McClintock discovered them in 1944 in maize, but it took decades for the scientific establishment to recognize her work, partially because this was not what the neo-darwinists were expecting! In maize, when a particular tranposon would move to a point adjacent a pigment gene, that gene would fail to be expressed. This movement could occur during the development of the kernels, creating a coloring pattern in Indian corn. This was the first hint that the genome is a truly dynamic structure. |
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Tranposons are not just pieces of nuisance DNA that sometimes get in the way or erupt normal functioning of the genome. Transposons are major players in the evolution of life. For example: Because the enzymes that move the “V” segment in the making of antibody genes act much like transposons, it is thought that a tranposon is responsible for the adaptive immune system in vertebrates, without which we would not be here. |