遗传学 genetic Chapter_13.pdf

Chapter 13 Transposable Elements of Eukaryotes • Ac/Ds System of Zea mays • Retrotransposons Two different types of transposable elements A) Transposons with terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) transpose by a cut and past mechanism, via excision and integration B) Retrotransposons share similarities with retroviruses and transpose replicatively The Ac/Ds System of Zea mays Variegated phenotypes The A1 gene of Z. mays encodes an enzyme for anthocyanin biosynthesis. Integration of a transposon (for example Ac) into this gene results in loss of function of A1. Wild type A1 is converted to a1::Ac (also designated as a1-m). P Ac transposable element A1 gene integration P a1::Ac Excision of Ac from A1 can restore the wildtype phenotype, therefore alleles that contain transposons are called mutabel alleles (a1-m). These alles typically exhibit variegated phenotypes, due to somatic reversions. P a1::Ac Ac transposable element A1 gene The Activator (Ac) transposable element P Transposase The Ac element is about 4 kb long and encodes the transposase, that is required for transposition of Ac. Ac has terminal inverted repeats (11bp) at the ends that are needed for transposition. The Ac element is called the autonomous element, because it encodes all functions for its transposition. There are deletion derivatives of Ac which are called Ds elements. Ds are defective elements that cannot promote transposition. However, if Ac and Ds are present in one cell, then Ds elements also transpose. P