Question

Transposable elements (TEs) are sequences of DNA that make copies of themselves, which are inserted at random back into the genome. Some genomes can be composed almost entirely of Tes.

What other factors determine the number of TEs in a genome

Answer 1

Transposable elements (TE) are known by various names such as jumping genes , insertion sequences , cassettes and mobile DNA elements. TE have the ability to move from one location to another in the genome and makes duplicate copies of itself in the process , this is done either bu Cut and paste mechanism or Copy and paste mechanism. There are various factors which determines the number of TE in a genome :

1. Molecular properties of TE : The molecular property have a great impact on the number and distribution of TE in a genome. The molecular property is a broad factor which includes various sub factors as well , transposition mechanism , pattern of transposition , timing of transposition and its ability to move or transpose are some of the sub factors worth mentioning . This is applicable both for eukaryotic and prokaryotic genome.

2. Ecological influences : The success of TEs within the genome of an organism greatly influences its number in the genome. Various sub factors influences this namely the parasitic load of the host organism , environmental quality to name a few .

3.Genome complexity of the organism : The complexity of the genome of the organism greatly plays a role in determining the number of TEs in an organism . Depending on whether the organism is a prokaryote or eukaryote , the type of TE presentin the organism also differs and so does the mechanism of transposition . In copy and paste mechanism of transposition which are followed by replicative transposons the sequence tends to increase more .