Retrotransposons are genetic elements that can amplify themselves in a genome and are a major component of many eukaryotic genomes, contributing to genetic diversity and evolution. They replicate through an RNA intermediate, which is reverse transcribed into DNA before being inserted back into the genome, often affecting gene expression and genome stability.

Retrotransposons

Genetic elements are discrete units of hereditary information composed of DNA that govern the transmission of genetic traits. They include genes, regulatory sequences, and other functional sequences that play critical roles in the expression, regulation, and evolution of genetic information in living organisms.

genetic elements

amplify themselves

The genome is the complete set of genetic material in an organism, encoding all the information necessary for its growth, development, and functioning. It consists of DNA sequences that include both genes and non-coding regions, influencing traits and biological processes through complex interactions.

genome

eukaryotic genomes

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, which is essential for populations to adapt to changing environments and ensures long-term survival. High genetic diversity increases a species' ability to withstand diseases and environmental changes, while low diversity can lead to inbreeding and increased vulnerability to extinction.

genetic diversity

Evolution is the process through which species adapt over generations via natural selection, genetic drift, mutations, and gene flow, resulting in the diversity of life forms on Earth. It explains how complex organisms evolved from simpler ancestors and is supported by evidence from genetics, fossil records, and comparative anatomy.

evolution

RNA intermediate

reverse transcribed

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in almost all living organisms, encoding the genetic instructions used in their development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix, carrying the genetic information in sequences of four types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically proteins, which ultimately determine cellular function and phenotype. This process is tightly regulated at multiple levels, including transcription, RNA processing, translation, and post-translational modifications, to ensure proper cellular function and response to environmental cues.

gene expression

Genome stability refers to the maintenance of the integrity and sequence fidelity of the genetic material within a cell, ensuring proper function and transmission across generations. It is crucial for preventing mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer, and is maintained through complex mechanisms including DNA repair, replication fidelity, and chromosomal segregation.

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