Tn10
Encyclopedia
Tn 10 is a transposable element, which is a sequence of DNA that is capable of mediating its own movement through the DNA of host organisms. This fragment of DNA can move from position to position on the chromosome or plasmid by cut-and-paste transposition
(also known as 'non-replicative transposition'). The Tn10 transposon is often used in genetics to transfer and select-for genes of interest from one organism into the chromosome of another.
Being a composite transposon
, it is flanked by insertion sequences. In Tn9 the insertion sequences are oriented in the same direction as each other, but in Tn5 and Tn10 the insertion sequences are symmetrical. Between the Tn10 insertion sequences, there are a number of genes, including one conferring resistance to the antibiotic
, tetracycline. This phenotype
makes tn10 convenient as a genetic tool. A gene of interest is inserted into the transposon and the transposon is then transferred to new host cells. The gene of interest is then 'selected-for' by exposing these cells to tetracycline, thus eliminating any cells that did not successfully take up the transposon.
Transposition
Transposition may refer to:Mathematics* Transposition , a permutation which exchanges two elements and keeps all others fixed* Transposition, producing the transpose of a matrix AT, which is computed by swapping columns for rows in the matrix AGames* Transposition , different moves or a different...
(also known as 'non-replicative transposition'). The Tn10 transposon is often used in genetics to transfer and select-for genes of interest from one organism into the chromosome of another.
Being a composite transposon
Composite transposon
A composite transposon is similar in function to simple transposons and Insertion Sequence elements in that it has protein coding DNA segments flanked by inverted, repeated sequences that can be recognized by transposase enzymes. A composite transposon, however, is flanked by two separate IS...
, it is flanked by insertion sequences. In Tn9 the insertion sequences are oriented in the same direction as each other, but in Tn5 and Tn10 the insertion sequences are symmetrical. Between the Tn10 insertion sequences, there are a number of genes, including one conferring resistance to the antibiotic
Antibiotic
An antibacterial is a compound or substance that kills or slows down the growth of bacteria.The term is often used synonymously with the term antibiotic; today, however, with increased knowledge of the causative agents of various infectious diseases, antibiotic has come to denote a broader range of...
, tetracycline. This phenotype
Phenotype
A phenotype is an organism's observable characteristics or traits: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior...
makes tn10 convenient as a genetic tool. A gene of interest is inserted into the transposon and the transposon is then transferred to new host cells. The gene of interest is then 'selected-for' by exposing these cells to tetracycline, thus eliminating any cells that did not successfully take up the transposon.