Transposable Elements
Transposable elements, often called "jumping genes," are segments of DNA that can move within the genome. They can insert themselves into different locations in the DNA sequence, which can lead to genetic variation and influence gene expression. These elements are found in many organisms, including humans, plants, and bacteria.
There are two main types of transposable elements: DNA transposons and retrotransposons. DNA transposons move directly as DNA, while retrotransposons first convert their RNA into DNA before inserting it into a new location. Their ability to change positions can play a significant role in evolution and genetic diversity.