Question

If two similar mobile genetic elements were inserted near each other in a chromosome and the transposition mechanism had to use ends of the two different elements (rather than the two ends of a single mobile element), what results?

1) The two elements will be transposed to different locations on the chromosome
2) The two elements will be transposed to the same location on the chromosome
3) The transposition mechanism will not work
4) The transposition mechanism will cause a mutation

Answer 1

The interaction between two similar mobile genetic elements during transposition typically results in a chromosomal structural rearrangement or mutation, not independent transposition to new locations.

Step-by-step explanation:

If two similar mobile genetic elements were inserted near each other in a chromosome and the transposition mechanism had to use the ends of the two different elements, the result would most likely be a chromosomal structural rearrangement such as a deletion, inversion, or translocation. This is because the transposition mechanism normally relies on the correct end sequences of a single transposable element to move it as a unit. When transposase enzymes recognize and act on the ends of two different transposons, this may lead to the incorrect removal or rearrangement of DNA segments in between or around the mobile elements.

Concerning the options provided, the most probable outcomes are either option 3, where the transposition mechanism will not work as intended due to incompatible end sequences, or option 4, where a mutation occurs due to abnormal recombination or rearrangement events.