Question

Transposons are
(a) Housekeeping genes
(b) Transporting genes
(c) Jumping genes
(d) Stationery genes

Answer 1

Hint It is a segment of DNA which has the ability of replicating itself and thereby inserting the copy of its new position within the same chromosome. DNA segments that can move from place to place in the genome are called transposons.

Complete answer
Let’s discuss the options and find out the correct answer
- Housekeeping genes: The genes which are constitutively expressed are called housekeeping genes. Examples are genes for metabolic reactions, transcription, translation, replication, transportation genes and the genes of basal cellular activities. This is incorrect option
- Transporting genes: It is the process of direct movement of substances such as macromolecules, small molecules, ions within a multicellular organism by means of some agent such as a transporter, pore. This is an incorrect option.
- Jumping genes: DNA segments that can move from place to place in the genome are called jumping genes.. It was first discovered by Barbara McClintock and M. Rhoades as controlling elements. While studying chromosome breakage in maize, she found that within a chromosome a chromosome-breaking locus could change its position and control the expression of the gene. She named them “jumping genes”. Thus, among the given choices, only jumping genes change their position in the genome and are transposons. This option is correct.
- Stationery genes: It is the genes present at fixed loci on a chromosome. This is an incorrect option.

Note There are two types of transposons one is LTR (Long Term Repeat) retrotransposons and non-LTR retrotransposons.