transposons

Transposons, often called "jumping genes," are DNA sequences that can change their position within a genome. They function like genetic rearrangers, moving or copying themselves to different locations in DNA. This mobility can influence gene activity, create genetic diversity, or sometimes cause mutations. Found in both plants and animals, transposons have played significant roles in evolution and genome evolution. Their ability to move makes them important for genetic studies and biotechnology, as they can be used to insert genes into DNA or to understand gene function.