<http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119081342.htm>Link
--Posted By johannes to <http://www.monochrom.at/english/2009/01/molecular-parasites-in-human-genome.htm>monochrom at 1/20/2009 11:56:00 AM
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for
Developmental Biology in Tübingen, Germany,
determined the structure of a protein (L1ORF1p),
which is encoded by a parasitic genetic element
and which is responsible for its mobility. The
so-called LINE-1 retrotransposon is a mobile
genetic element that can multiply and insert
itself into chromosomal DNA at many different
locations. This disturbs the genetic code at the
site of integration, which can have serious consequences for the organism.
