A model for spontaneous mutation in Drosophila caused by transposing elements.

Transposing genetic elements make up a significant proportion of the DNA of at least some eukaryotes. One of the potential side effects of transposition is a high rate of apparently spontaneous mutation. In this paper we consider some of the evolutionary strategies that might be involved in the suppression of transposition, and we outline a model for the control of spontaneous mutation in terms of the regulation of transposition. Specific predictions are based upon the well-characterized genetics of the mutator system associated with hybrid dysgenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, which has many parallels with the expected behaviour of transposing elements.