Final answer:
Eukaryotic transposons require specific enzymes to move and can be autonomous or non-autonomous, while bacterial transposons are typically autonomous and smaller. Bacterial genomes often harbor transposons that carry beneficial genes, such as antibiotic resistance. A eukaryotic promoter may not be recognized by bacterial machinery, so transcription of the gene might not occur in a bacterium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Eukaryotic and Bacterial Transposons
Eukaryotic and bacterial transposons are DNA sequences that can move around within the genome. The main difference in their ability to transpose independently revolves around the nature of the transposable elements and the mechanism they use. Eukaryotic transposons often require specific enzymes for the transposition process. These enzymes are encoded by autonomous transposons, which can move on their own. Non-autonomous transposons, however, lack the genes for these enzymes and therefore need assistance from autonomous elements to transpose.
In contrast, bacterial transposons tend to be smaller and can carry genes, such as those for antibiotic resistance, that provide an immediate benefit to the host. Eukaryotic genomes are larger and contain a more significant portion of transposons, with loads varying from 4% to over 70%. This could be due to a less compact genome that allows for the accommodation of more transposable elements without disrupting essential functions.
Regarding the ability to transpose independently, eukaryotic transposons can be either autonomous or non-autonomous, with only the former capable of moving without external help. Bacterial transposons are typically autonomous, being able to transpose independently without needing additional factors.
As for the experiment involving a eukaryotic promoter spliced in front of a bacterial gene, it is unlikely that the bacterium would transcribe the gene properly. Bacteria use a different mechanism for gene expression and recognition of promoters than eukaryotes. Eukaryotic promoters may not be recognizable to bacterial RNA polymerase, and thus transcription may not initiate correctly.