Transposable DNA elements and life history traits: II. Transposition of P DNA elements in somatic cells reduces fitness, mating activity, and locomotion of Drosophila melanogaster

Some transposable DNA elements in higher organisms are active in somatic ce lls, as well as in germinal cells. What effect does the movement of DNA ele ments in somatic cells have on life history traits? It has previously been reported that somatically active P and mariner elements in Drosophila induc e genetic damage and significantly reduce lifespan. In this study, we repor t that the movement of P elements in somatic cells also significantly reduc es fitness, mating activity, and locomotion of Drosophila melanogaster. If other elements cause similar changes in life history traits, it is doubtful if transposable DNA elements remain active for long in somatic cells in na tural populations.