LTR retrotransposons contain
Long terminal repeat retrotransposons possess structure reminiscent of integrated retroviruses, flanked by two direct repeats in same orientation termed LTRs, each 300-500 bp containing U3-R-U5 subdivisions with promoter and polyadenylation signals. During reverse transcription, two LTRs become identical copies surrounding internal gag-pol coding region. Dual LTRs facilitate transcription, template switching during reverse transcription, and provide integrase att attachment sites. Integration generates short target site duplication flanking element, distinguishing LTR elements from non-LTR ret
Ref: Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 9th ed., Chapter 10: LTR Retrotransposon Two-LTR Architecture
