there are two major classes of transposable elements: class i elements that are mobilized with an rna intermediate (retrotransposons), and class ii elements that lack such an intermediate. this book provides a historical background and fully describes all known transposable elements, the modes of their transposition and the utilization of these elements in medicine, genetics, and crop improvement. it is the only text that is targeted at a wide range of readers and can be comprehended also by the novice in this field.