What are transposable elements commonly referred to as?

Transposable elements are commonly referred to as "jumping genes" due to their unique ability to move within the genome from one location to another. This movement can occur through various mechanisms, such as cut-and-paste or copy-and-paste processes. The term "jumping genes" highlights their dynamic nature and the fact that they can transpose, or "jump," to different genomic locations, which can lead to genetic diversity and influence gene expression. This property is significant in the study of genetics and molecular biology, as it plays a key role in evolution, adaptation, and the development of genetic mutations. Understanding transposable elements is critical for unraveling the complexities of genomic organization and functionality.