Helitrons are a type of DNA transposon that uses a rolling-circle mechanism for transposition. Unlike other DNA transposons, they do not alter the original template during transposition, making them 'peel-and-paste' elements. Helitrons can capture and mobilize host genome fragments, leading to significant changes in genome structure and function. This review discusses the origins, transposition mechanism, and evolutionary impacts of Helitrons, including their role in generating genetic novelty and their potential for domestication in response to environmental challenges. Helitrons are found in many eukaryotic genomes and are characterized by unique terminal sequences and a lack of terminal inverted repeats. They are classified as class II DNA transposons and do not produce target site duplications upon insertion. Helitrons can transpose gene fragments, including regulatory elements, leading to new gene regulatory circuits. In plants, this has been observed for endosperm-specific regulatory elements and herbivore response elements. Helitron transposition can lead to gene capture, where host genes are incorporated into Helitron sequences. This process can result in evolutionary conflicts, as host silencing mechanisms may target both the Helitron and the captured gene. Helitrons can also contribute to genome diversity by generating chimeric transcripts and altering gene expression patterns. In plants, Helitrons are particularly prevalent and have been linked to the evolution of traits such as endosperm development and heat responsiveness. Helitrons influence genome structure by inserting into AT-rich regions and contributing to gene collinearity differences between species. They are also involved in centromere formation and plasticity in some organisms. Helitrons can induce epigenetic conflicts, where siRNAs produced by Helitron-captured genes can silence the donor gene, affecting its function. This can lead to evolutionary conflicts between Helitrons and host genes. The study of Helitrons is important for understanding genome dynamics and evolution. Recent advances in sequencing and bioinformatics have improved the identification of Helitrons, revealing their widespread distribution and role in shaping genomic landscapes. Future research may explore the use of Helitrons as tools for genetic engineering and crop improvement, leveraging their ability to generate genetic diversity. The mechanisms underlying Helitron transposition and their evolutionary significance remain areas of active research.Helitrons are a type of DNA transposon that uses a rolling-circle mechanism for transposition. Unlike other DNA transposons, they do not alter the original template during transposition, making them 'peel-and-paste' elements. Helitrons can capture and mobilize host genome fragments, leading to significant changes in genome structure and function. This review discusses the origins, transposition mechanism, and evolutionary impacts of Helitrons, including their role in generating genetic novelty and their potential for domestication in response to environmental challenges. Helitrons are found in many eukaryotic genomes and are characterized by unique terminal sequences and a lack of terminal inverted repeats. They are classified as class II DNA transposons and do not produce target site duplications upon insertion. Helitrons can transpose gene fragments, including regulatory elements, leading to new gene regulatory circuits. In plants, this has been observed for endosperm-specific regulatory elements and herbivore response elements. Helitron transposition can lead to gene capture, where host genes are incorporated into Helitron sequences. This process can result in evolutionary conflicts, as host silencing mechanisms may target both the Helitron and the captured gene. Helitrons can also contribute to genome diversity by generating chimeric transcripts and altering gene expression patterns. In plants, Helitrons are particularly prevalent and have been linked to the evolution of traits such as endosperm development and heat responsiveness. Helitrons influence genome structure by inserting into AT-rich regions and contributing to gene collinearity differences between species. They are also involved in centromere formation and plasticity in some organisms. Helitrons can induce epigenetic conflicts, where siRNAs produced by Helitron-captured genes can silence the donor gene, affecting its function. This can lead to evolutionary conflicts between Helitrons and host genes. The study of Helitrons is important for understanding genome dynamics and evolution. Recent advances in sequencing and bioinformatics have improved the identification of Helitrons, revealing their widespread distribution and role in shaping genomic landscapes. Future research may explore the use of Helitrons as tools for genetic engineering and crop improvement, leveraging their ability to generate genetic diversity. The mechanisms underlying Helitron transposition and their evolutionary significance remain areas of active research.