Question

In simple transposition

A. a transposable element is transcribed into RNA and this RNA is used as a template to produce DNA that is inserted into a new site.
B. transposable elements decrease in number within the cell.
C. a transposable element is removed from its original site and inserted at another location.
D. a transposable element remains at its original location while a copy is inserted at another site.

Answer 1

In simple transposition, a transposable element is removed from its original site and inserted into a new location, reflecting a cut-and-paste mechanism.

Step-by-step explanation:

In simple transposition, a transposable element is removed from its original site and inserted at another location. This is often referred to as a "cut-and-paste" mechanism. Different from the mechanism described in option A, simple transposition does not involve transcription into RNA or the use of RNA as a template to produce DNA. Transposable elements can move via either nonreplicative (cut-and-paste) or replicative transposition.

Nonreplicative transposition means the element excises from one location and integrates into another without increasing its number, which corresponds to option C. In replicative transposition, the original element remains, while a new copy is inserted elsewhere, as mentioned in option D, but this is not considered simple transposition. Therefore, the correct statement about simple transposition is that a transposable element is removed from its original site and inserted at another location.