Chromosome rearrangements and transposable elements

Lonnig WE, Saedler H. Chromosome rearrangements and transposable elements. Annu Rev Genet. 2002;36:389-410.

From the Abstract:

"...resolution is in sight for several seemingly contradictory phenomena such as the endless reshuffling of chromosome structures and gene sequences versus synteny and the constancy of living fossils (or stasis in general). Recent wide-ranging investigations have confirmed and enlarged the number of earlier cases of TE target site selection (hot spots for TE integration), implying preestablished rather than accidental chromosome rearrangements for nonhomologous recombination of host DNA. The possibility of a partly predetermined generation of biodiversity and new species is discussed. The views of several leading transposon experts on the rather abrupt origin of new species have not been synthesized..."

Examples of Transposable Elements (TE) with Illustrations.

Comments by the Author, Wolf-Ekkehard Lönnig (W.-E.L.).