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Insertion Sequence

Meaning

Insertion Sequence, in the context of molecular endocrinology, refers to a type of short transposable element, or ‘jumping gene,’ capable of moving from one location to another within the genome. If such a sequence inserts itself near or within a gene critical for hormone synthesis, receptor function, or regulatory element, it can disrupt normal gene expression. This genomic instability represents a potential source of acquired variation in endocrine regulation, though it is more frequently studied in prokaryotes. We consider this when assessing non-Mendelian influences on hormonal phenotypes.