You are studying a particular gene in mice. In one sample of the genome from a mouse, you find two copies of the gene while in other mice you have studied there are two copies of the gene. One of the copies is in the normal location; the other is in a completely different location in the genome. The copy of the gene found in a different location from what is normal is bounded by sequences that are directly repeated rather than being in an inverted form. What is responsible for this finding?
A) a retrotransposon
B) a DNA transposon
C) a point mutation
D) a chromosomal inversion
E) an unequal cross-over

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retrotransposons are capable of copying themselves to RNA and then, using reverse transcriptase, back into DNA which can be inserted at new locations in the genome. The presence of directly repeated sequences flanking the gene at the new location is characteristic of the insertion process of retrotransposons.

You Are Studying a Particular Gene in Mice