Transposable elements (TEs) are essential components of eukaryotic genomes, playing diverse roles in gene regulation, recombination, and environmental adaptation. They can alter gene expression and influence genome evolution through their ability to mobilize within the genome. TEs serve as valuable markers for genetic and evolutionary studies, facilitating genetic mapping and phylogenetic analysis. This review comprehensively examines TEs and their applications in biotechnology, particularly in plant biology, where they are considered "genomic gold" due to their extensive functionalities. The article covers various aspects of TEs in plant development, including their structure, epigenetic regulation, evolutionary patterns, and their use in gene editing and molecular markers. The goal is to systematically understand TEs and highlight their diverse roles in plant biology. Key points include: - TEs are classified into two main classes: Class I (retrotransposons) and Class II (DNA transposons). - Class I TEs can be further divided into LTR, non-LTR, and DIRS categories, each with specific superfamilies. - Class II TEs include Helitron, Cut-and-Paste, Crypton, and Maverick/Polinton subtypes. - TEs exhibit both vertical and horizontal transmission, with LTR-RTs typically inherited vertically. - TEs contribute to genome diversification and speciation through chromosomal rearrangements and gene movement. - TEs play a crucial role in plant stress responses, influencing gene expression and adaptation to environmental challenges. - Transposon tagging and genome editing techniques using TEs have been developed for genetic improvement and functional genomics. - TEs are valuable tools for studying gene function and developing stress-tolerant crops. The review emphasizes the multifunctional nature of TEs and their significant impact on plant biology, providing insights into their roles in genome structure, function, and evolution.Transposable elements (TEs) are essential components of eukaryotic genomes, playing diverse roles in gene regulation, recombination, and environmental adaptation. They can alter gene expression and influence genome evolution through their ability to mobilize within the genome. TEs serve as valuable markers for genetic and evolutionary studies, facilitating genetic mapping and phylogenetic analysis. This review comprehensively examines TEs and their applications in biotechnology, particularly in plant biology, where they are considered "genomic gold" due to their extensive functionalities. The article covers various aspects of TEs in plant development, including their structure, epigenetic regulation, evolutionary patterns, and their use in gene editing and molecular markers. The goal is to systematically understand TEs and highlight their diverse roles in plant biology. Key points include: - TEs are classified into two main classes: Class I (retrotransposons) and Class II (DNA transposons). - Class I TEs can be further divided into LTR, non-LTR, and DIRS categories, each with specific superfamilies. - Class II TEs include Helitron, Cut-and-Paste, Crypton, and Maverick/Polinton subtypes. - TEs exhibit both vertical and horizontal transmission, with LTR-RTs typically inherited vertically. - TEs contribute to genome diversification and speciation through chromosomal rearrangements and gene movement. - TEs play a crucial role in plant stress responses, influencing gene expression and adaptation to environmental challenges. - Transposon tagging and genome editing techniques using TEs have been developed for genetic improvement and functional genomics. - TEs are valuable tools for studying gene function and developing stress-tolerant crops. The review emphasizes the multifunctional nature of TEs and their significant impact on plant biology, providing insights into their roles in genome structure, function, and evolution.