title: A model for spontaneous mutation in Drosophila caused by transposing elements.
abstract: Transposing genetic elements make up a significant proportion of the DNA of at least some eukaryotes. One of the potential side effects of transposition is a high rate of apparently spontaneous mutation. In this paper we consider some of the evolutionary strategies that might be involved in the suppression of transposition, and we outline a model for the control of spontaneous mutation in terms of the regulation of transposition. Specific predictions are based upon the well-characterized genetics of the mutator system associated with hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, which has many parallels with the expected behaviour of transposing elements.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008297:Male; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009154:Mutation
chemical_list: D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D004247:DNA