describe the way in which transposable genetic elements operate and discuss their impact on the genome
In bacteria, these genes within plasmids containing DNA can move between cells. The genes that are transferred may be resistant to antibiotics among the bacteria. When the bacteria reproduce, they also reproduce this transferred gene and all of the individuals within a population, will now contain this new gene. This may be how populations of bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics so rapidly. There is therefore a great impact on the bacterial genome.
In more complex organisms, the role of transposons is not yet defined.