The piggyBac transposon is disclosed herein as an extremely versatile helper-dependent vector for gene transfer and germ line transformation in a wide range of vertebrate species. Presented are methods wherein genome sequencing databases may be examined using piggyBac, as homologues of piggyBac have been found among several sequenced animal genomes, including the human genome. This transposon is demonstrated to provide transposition in primate cells and embryos of the zebra fish, Danio rerio. PiggyBac mobility is demonstrated using an interplasmid transposition assay that consistently predicts the germ line transformation capabilities of this mobile element in several species. Both transfected COS-7 primate cells and injected zebrafish embryos supported the helper-dependent movement of tagged piggyBac element between plasmids in a cut-and-paste, TTAA target-site specific manner. The present invention discloses the use of piggyBac as a tool for genetic analysis of vertebrates.