Mutator elements are Class 2 transposons.
They are widespread in eukaryotes and very abundant in plants. A very useful diagnostic feature is the long TSD.
The terminal repeats usually end in GA (5' end) and TC (3' end).
Upon insertion, they create a 9 bp Target site duplication (TSD).
TIR5: Terminal inverted repeat
Function: Contains motifs that are recognized and bound by the transposase. Essential for transposition.
Protein motifs:
TASE: Transposase
Function: Required for excision and insertion
Protein motifs: DDE
TIR3: Terminal inverted repeat
Function: Contains motifs that are recognized and bound by the transposase. Essential for transposition.
Protein motifs:
| Taxonomic group | Total elements |
|---|---|
| Embryophyta | 36 |
| Fungi | 2 |
| Metazoa | 6 |
| Planta | 2 |
| Plantae | 278 |