A stable genomic source of P element transposase in Drosophila melanogaster.

TLDR

The P[ry+ delta 2‑3](99B) element was originally constructed by Laski, Rio, and Rubin for other purposes but is now useful for P‑element experiments. The study aims to show that P[ry+ delta 2‑3](99B) can be used, alongside a chromosome with many nonautonomous elements, for P‑element mutagenesis. The authors use the P[ry+ delta 2‑3](99B) element with a chromosome carrying many nonautonomous elements to perform P‑element mutagenesis. P[ry+ delta 2‑3](99B) mobilizes other elements at high frequencies while remaining stable, has higher transposase activity than a full P strain, rarely undergoes deletion or transposition, and can replace helper plasmids to move transformed elements.

Abstract

Abstract A single P element insert in Drosophila melanogaster, called P[ry+ delta 2-3](99B), is described that caused mobilization of other elements at unusually high frequencies, yet is itself remarkably stable. Its transposase activity is higher than that of an entire P strain, but it rarely undergoes internal deletion, excision or transposition. This element was constructed by F. Laski, D. Rio and G. Rubin for other purposes, but we have found it to be useful for experiments involving P elements. We demonstrate that together with a chromosome bearing numerous nonautonomous elements it can be used for P element mutagenesis. It can also substitute efficiently for "helper" plasmids in P element mediated transformation, and can be used to move transformed elements around the genome.