Question

Mobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediate:

• A. Plasmids
• B. Cosmids
• C. Transposons
• D. Phages

Hint:

{Retrotransposons} function similarly to Retroviruses (like HIV), using the enzyme {Reverse Transcriptase}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Mobile Genetic Elements:
"Mobile genetic elements" are DNA sequences that can move around the genome. They are often called "jumping genes".
Step 2: Classification:
Transposons are broadly classified into two types:

• Class II (DNA Transposons): Move directly as DNA via a "cut and paste" mechanism.
• Class I (Retrotransposons): Move via an RNA intermediate. The DNA is transcribed into RNA, and then reverse-transcribed back into DNA (cDNA) which inserts elsewhere ("copy and paste").

Step 3: Conclusion:
The question specifically asks for elements replicating via an RNA intermediate. This describes Retrotransposons, which fall under the broad category of Transposons. Plasmids and Phages are vectors or separate DNA entities, not typically classified as mobile genetic elements of the host genome in this context.