Final answer:
Transposition is the movement of genetic elements called transposons within a DNA molecule or between DNA molecules. Transposons, also known as 'jumping genes,' can alter the phenotype of an organism by inactivating or activating genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transposition refers to the movement of genetic elements called transposons within a DNA molecule or between DNA molecules. Transposons are also known as 'jumping genes' because they have the ability to independently excise from one location in a DNA molecule and integrate into another location through a process called transposition.
Transposons have been found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They can introduce genetic diversity by altering the phenotype of an organism through inactivating or activating genes. Transposons can move within the same DNA molecule or between different DNA molecules, and they can even move from one cell to another.