One of the characteristics of retrotransposons is that
A) they code for an enzyme that synthesizes DNA using an RNA template.
B) they are found only in animal cells.
C) they generally move by a cut-and-paste mechanism.
D) they contribute a significant portion of the genetic variability seen within a population of gametes.
E) their amplification is dependent on a retrovirus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retrotransposons use reverse transcriptase to create a DNA copy from an RNA template, which is a characteristic of retroviruses.

Answer: D
 Retrotransposons can mutate and insert themselves into various locations in the genome, which can contribute to genetic variability within a population.

One of the Characteristics of Retrotransposons Is That