Editor's Summary
5 October 2006
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Once dismissed as junk, selfish or parasitic DNA, transposable elements or 'jumping genes' are now regarded as major players in many of the processes that reshape the genome and control the activity of its genes. Christian Biémont and Cristina Vieira consider the two-pronged evolutionary impact of transposable elements as promoters of genetic diversity, and as agents for inflicting genetic damage and causing disease.
News and Views Feature: Genetics: Junk DNA as an evolutionary force
Transposable elements were long dismissed as useless, but they are emerging as major players in evolution. Their interactions with the genome and the environment affect how genes are translated into physical traits.
Christian Biémont and Cristina Vieira
doi:10.1038/443521a