What two outcomes can occur when two transposons are oriented in opposite directions?

Ace the MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your test!

When two transposons are oriented in opposite directions, one of the key outcomes that can occur is inversion. This happens because the transposons can facilitate the recombination process between their sequences. If they are positioned on the chromosome in opposite directions, the recombination may result in a segment of the chromosome being flipped, leading to an inversion.

The other possible outcome, related to chromosomal rearrangement, reflects how this inversion may influence the overall structure of the chromosomal material, potentially causing further changes or disruptions in gene order. This type of chromosomal rearrangement is significant because it can affect gene expression and function.

The choice emphasizes both the mechanism of inversion due to the orientation of the transposons and the broader concept of chromosomal arrangement, which captures the nature of the alterations in the overall DNA configuration. This understanding is crucial when studying genetic mutations and the effects of mobile genetic elements in living systems.

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