Alu elements account for about 10% of the human genome. What does this mean?
A) Alu elements cannot be transcribed into RNA.
B) Alu elements evolved in very ancient times, before mammalian radiation.
C) Alu elements represent the result of transposition.
D) No Alu elements are found within individual genes.
E) Alu elements are cDNA and therefore related to retrotransposons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alu elements are a type of retrotransposon that are known for their ability to insert themselves into new locations within the genome via transposition. The fact that they account for about 10% of the human genome suggests that they have been very successful at replicating and inserting themselves into new locations over evolutionary time.

Alu Elements Account for About 10% of the Human Genome