Insertion Sequences Can Be Identified by Which of the Following

Question

Insertion sequences can be identified by which of the following?
A) Presence of an integrase enzyme
B) High level of mutation
C) Presence of inverted repeats at the end of the sequence
D) Presence of a reverse transcriptase enzyme

Accepted Answer

Insertion sequences are characterized by the presence of inverted repeats at the end of the sequence. These repeats are recognized by transposases, which are enzymes that facilitate the movement of the sequence to a new location. Inverted repeats help the transposase recognize the boundaries of the insertion sequence, allowing it to excise the sequence from one location and integrate it into another. The other options, including the presence of an integrase enzyme, high level of mutation, and presence of a reverse transcriptase enzyme, are not necessarily characteristic of insertion sequences. While integrase enzymes are involved in the movement of some mobile genetic elements, they are not limited to insertion sequences. High levels of mutation and the presence of a reverse transcriptase enzyme are not specific to insertion sequences at all.