Transposable Elegance

Transposons, mobile DNA elements found in the genomes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, move randomly from one site in a chromosome to another using a process catalyzed by transposases. This process, called transposition, occurs naturally but infrequently in cells as a means of genetic change. For many years scientists have used transposons for genetic research. A new system, combining Tn5 transposase and a Tn5-derived transposon to form a stable synaptic complex, forms the basis of EZ::

Written byAileen Constans
| 2 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
2:00
Share



Transposons, mobile DNA elements found in the genomes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, move randomly from one site in a chromosome to another using a process catalyzed by transposases. This process, called transposition, occurs naturally but infrequently in cells as a means of genetic change. For many years scientists have used transposons for genetic research. A new system, combining Tn5 transposase and a Tn5-derived transposon to form a stable synaptic complex, forms the basis of EZ::TN Transposon Tools from Epicentre Technologies of Madison, Wis.

The EZ::TN Transposon in vitro insertion kits eliminate the need for primer walking and subcloning of DNA when sequencing large plasmid and cosmid clones. The two-hour EZ::TN insertion reaction requires just 0.2 µg of plasmid or cosmid DNA to generate >106 independent sequencing templates. Each has a single randomly inserted transposon containing a selectable marker (Tetr or Kanr) and priming sites for sequencing. Individual transposon insertion ...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Published In

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

nuclera logo

Nuclera eProtein Discovery System installed at leading Universities in Taiwan

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo