Transposable elements, found in almost all organisms, are short sequences of DNA that have the ability to move from one location to the other locations in the genome. Transposons make up 10% of eukaryotic genomes. They provide a means for genomic change and variation, particularly in response to stress (McClintock’s stress hypothesis).There is no known example of transposon playing a normal role in development. They are called as selfish DNA and can be used as genetic markers, as mutagens for transposon tagging and isolation of gene, as transformation vectors and as cloning vehicle. Transposons are potent forces of genetic change and have a significant aspect in the evolution of many genomes.
