Final answer:
In maize, the Activator (Ac) transposon encodes for the transposase enzyme, allowing it to move within the genome and facilitate genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In maize, the transposon that includes a gene which encodes transposase is known as the Activator (Ac) element. The Ac element provides the transposase necessary to facilitate its own movement as well as the movement of the Dissociation (Ds) element within the maize genome. These transposons were first discovered by Barbara McClintock through her pioneering work in maize genetics, for which she later received a Nobel Prize. Transposons contain special sequences known as inverted repeats and a gene for transposase, which allows them to excise and reintegrate into different locations of DNA, thus contributing to genetic diversity.