Question

In what way do retrotransposons generally differ from typical dna transposons?

Answer 1

Basically, retrotransposons is transcribed then reverse transcriptase produces a double-stranded DNA copy of the element which is then inserted into the genome. In addition retrotransposons cont are related to retroviruses that all carry pol and some contain gag. It is a none encode env thus they can be reverse transcribed and inserted into host DNA but are unable to produce viral particles. However a typical DNA transposon transposed through consevative or replicative transposition. Thus these DNA transposons are a group of transposable elements that can move in the DNA of an organism via a single or double-stranded DNA intermediate. They have been found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.