Re: Transposable elements

Joe and Ben,

I fear we are falling into a trap of semantics here.  I am not a geneticist
or a plant breeder, but my understanding is that transposable elements are
specific pieces of DNA that move around the genome.  They can take with them
pieces of surrounding DNA and they can get respliced into the DNA inside a
normal gene.  Both of these events would easily be classified as permanent
mutation (a permanent change in the DNA).  I also remember (correct me if I
am wrong) that the transposable elements can move to prescribed spots on the
DNA, and then leave again.  This might be classified as a temporary
'mutation'.  It is this kind of 'mutation' that is a tempting explanation of
the kind of streaking found in Hosta such as Revolution, Allegan Fog, and
our Fuzzy.  (the cells are either green or white depending on whether the
element is in position A or B).  It also is the cause of multicolored ears
of corn (where the phenomenon was described first).  I was hoping to get a
better explanation from one of our geneticists or breeders who should be
closer to this information.

I would like to suggest to all involved in this discussion that we are not
the only participants.  If some one thinks some one else is in error, they
should state that, but I think most readers of this material would be
happier without the personal attacks.  Just a thought.

Jim Anderson

-----Original Message-----
From: Diane <true-blue@prodigy.net>
To: hosta-open@mallorn.com <hosta-open@mallorn.com>
Date: Thursday, August 12, 1999 6:46 AM
Subject: Re: Transposable elements


>zonneveld wrote:
>>
>> It is funny Joe raises the terms position effect and transposable
>> elements and now he asks me for an explanation. Clearly he just
>> picked up the terms somewere without knowing their meaning
>>
>
>Ben,
>  It is funny that you assume that Joe does not know the meaning of
>these terms. Don't you think it is possible that he wanted you to
>explain them so that some of the people on the hosta open who are not
>scientists could better understand what you are talking about?
>  You are trying to start (once again) an argument.  I think what you
>posted was rude, and uncalled for. I think  you owe Joe an apology.
>
>Diane Frederick
>Cleveland Hts., Ohio
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