What are DNA segments that can move to a new location on either the same or different chromosome?

What are DNA segments that can move to a new location on either the same or different chromosome?

• A. Introns
• B. Promoter Regions
• C. Transposons (Jumping Genes)
• D. Exons

Answer: (C)

DNA segments that can move to a new location on either the same or different chromosome are transposons, also known as jumping genes. They relocate through mechanisms that either cut and paste the DNA into a new site or copy and paste it via an RNA intermediate, which lets them appear in new genomic neighborhoods. This mobility is why transposons can disrupt genes or alter regulation, contributing to genetic variation and evolution. Introns, promoter regions, and exons have fixed roles within genes—introns are spliced out, promoters regulate when and where a gene is transcribed, and exons code for protein sequences—without the inherent ability to move around the genome.

DNA segments that can move to a new location on either the same or different chromosome are transposons, also known as jumping genes. They relocate through mechanisms that either cut and paste the DNA into a new site or copy and paste it via an RNA intermediate, which lets them appear in new genomic neighborhoods. This mobility is why transposons can disrupt genes or alter regulation, contributing to genetic variation and evolution. Introns, promoter regions, and exons have fixed roles within genes—introns are spliced out, promoters regulate when and where a gene is transcribed, and exons code for protein sequences—without the inherent ability to move around the genome.