P-element is it a gene?

Question

just asking because i know its a reporter for the genes that can be expressed. Is this correct?

Answer 1

P-elements are transposable elements (aka transposons) found in Drosophila melanogaster. They are type 2 transposons, meaning the P-element contains the gene for transposase, the enzyme that mediates transposition. Since it codes for transposase it is said to be autonomous. While the P-element does contain a gene it is wrong to describe the P-element as a gene.

Modified P-elements are used in molecular genetic studies of Drosophila melanogaster for insertional mutagenesis and enhancer-trap experiments.