How these self - promoting
genes jump to these prime locations remains a mystery, but the researchers believe it may have to do with the DNA's three - dimensional structure in
particular areas that allows for genetic rearrangement when the genome is being copied or when certain
genes are active.
An introductory course in molecular biology — in
particular, the topic of transposons («
jumping genes»)-- cemented his new direction and, he says, «got the ball rolling in my PhD career.»