Definition of Insertional Mutagenesis



Insertional Mutagenesis is the introduction of a transposon into the cell. This leads to the inactivation of the gene and eventually, the gene loses its function. In the terms of molecular biology, it is defined as inducting the mutations in the structure of the DNA by the addition of the base pairs. These mutations are thought to occur on their own and are brought about by viruses and transposons.

 


The insertional mutagenesis leads us to determine the role of the genes. A large number of viruses incorporate their genetic material into the genomes of the host cells so that they can replicate but not all such viruses can cause insertional mutagenesis.

 

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