Final answer:
During DNA transposition, 2bp from the transposon's 3' ends are lost during integration, and the process is started by cutting 2 bases from the 5' end by integrase. Transposase mediates the integration by creating staggered cuts and then ligating the transposon into the new location, producing direct repeats at the insertion site.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the process of DNA transposition, 2bp of the protruding 3' ends are lost during the integration process. However, it is necessary for 2 bases from the 5' end to be cut by the enzyme integrase to initiate the process of DNA integration. This process is part of a mechanism known as replicative transposition.
In this mechanism, the transposon or mobile genetic element is inserted into a new location within the genome. This process is facilitated by transposase, which mediates staggered cutting and holds the transposon ends together for ligation. The final ligation step incorporates the transposon into its new genomic location, resulting in the generation of direct repeats of the host cell DNA at the insertion site.