Which of the following statements correctly describes one characteristic of retrotransposons?
A) They use an RNA molecule as an intermediate in transposition.
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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retrotransposons are characterized by the use of an RNA intermediate in transposition, in which the retrotransposon is first transcribed to RNA, which is then reverse-transcribed into DNA and inserted into a new site in the genome.

Answer: D
 Retrotransposons have been shown to contribute a significant proportion of genetic variability within populations, as a result of their ability to insert and amplify within the genome over time. However, retrotransposons are not the only source of genetic variability, and other mechanisms, such as mutation and recombination, can also contribute.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes One Characteristic of Retrotransposons