Final answer:
Transposable elements, or jumping genes, are DNA sequences that can independently move within the genome through a process called transposition. They introduce genetic diversity and can alter gene expression by inactivating or activating genes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transposable elements, also known as jumping genes, are DNA sequences that can move within the genome. They include special inverted repeat sequences at their ends and a gene encoding the enzyme transposase. This allows them to independently excise from one location in a DNA molecule and integrate into another through a process called transposition. Transposons have been found in all types of organisms and can introduce genetic diversity by altering gene expression or inactivating/activating genes.