Correct option is D
The statement that LINEs and SINEs contain LTR elements that initiate transcription is incorrect. LINEs (Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements) and SINEs (Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements) are types of retrotransposons in the human genome. However, they do not contain LTR (Long Terminal Repeat) elements. LTR elements are found in another class of retrotransposons called LTR retrotransposons, which are distinct from LINEs and SINEs. LINEs are autonomous, meaning they can replicate and insert themselves into new locations in the genome, while SINEs are non-autonomous and rely on the enzymatic machinery provided by LINEs.
Information Booster:
LINEs are autonomous retrotransposons that can move within the genome via reverse transcription.
SINEs are non-autonomous elements and do not have the full machinery to transpose on their own; they depend on LINEs for replication and movement.
Retrotransposons like LINEs and SINEs move through the genome by a “copy and paste” mechanism, using reverse transcription to create new copies that are inserted into different genomic locations.
The human genome contains many more copies of retrotransposons (LINEs and SINEs) than DNA transposons, reflecting the significant role of retrotransposition in the genome.
LTR retrotransposons are a different class of retrotransposons and do contain LTR elements, which are involved in the regulation of transcription and integration into the genome.
LTR elements are commonly found in retroviruses, and in LTR retrotransposons, they help initiate transcription, unlike LINEs and SINEs.
Additional Knowledge:
LINEs are autonomous (option 1), meaning they have the necessary enzymes, such as reverse transcriptase, to transpose and replicate.
SINEs and LINEs are retrotransposons (option 2), as both move by reverse transcription and integrate into new positions in the genome.
The human genome contains more retrotransposons than DNA transposons (option 3), due to the high prevalence of LINEs and SINEs.
