Hausner, GeorgHafez, MohamedEdgell, David R2014-04-102014-04-102014-03-10Mobile DNA. 2014 Mar 10;5(1):8http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23424Abstract Group I introns are intervening sequences that have invaded tRNA, rRNA and protein coding genes in bacteria and their phages. The ability of group I introns to self-splice from their host transcripts, by acting as ribozymes, potentially renders their insertion into genes phenotypically neutral. Some group I introns are mobile genetic elements due to encoded homing endonuclease genes that function in DNA-based mobility pathways to promote spread to intronless alleles. Group I introns have a limited distribution among bacteria and the current assumption is that they are benign selfish elements, although some introns and homing endonucleases are a source of genetic novelty as they have been co-opted by host genomes to provide regulatory functions. Questions regarding the origin and maintenance of group I introns among the bacteria and phages are also addressed.Journal ArticleenGeorg Hausner et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.2014-04-10http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1759-8753-5-8