Definition for Long interspersed elements
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Long INterspersed Elements are a group of genetic elements that are found in large numbers in eukaryotic genomes. They are transcribed to an RNA using an RNA polymerase II promoter that resides inside the LINE. LINEs code for the enzyme reverse transcriptase, and many LINEs also code for an endonuclease. The reverse transcriptase has a higher specificity for the LINE RNA than other RNA, and makes a DNA copy of the RNA that can be integrated into the genome at a new site. The endonuclease encoded by non-LTR retroposons may be AP (Apurinic/Pyrimidinic) type or REL (Restriction Endonuclease Like) type. R2 group of elements have REL type endonuclease which shows site specificity in insertion.