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Related Concept Videos

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms02:18

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.
Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms02:18

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

Genetic transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from one organism to another. It occurs via two mechanisms: vertical gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is transferred from one generation to the next, which happens much more frequently than horizontal gene transfer. Both sexual and asexual reproduction are forms of vertical gene transfer, where one or more organisms pass some or all of their genome onto their progeny.
Horizontal Gene Transfer01:27

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a process where genetic material moves between organisms within the same generation, unlike vertical gene transfer, which occurs from parent to offspring. HGT plays a crucial role in microbial evolution, adaptation, and survival, particularly in shared environments like the human gut.Mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, prophages, integrons, insertion sequences, and transposons facilitate this process. HGT occurs through three primary mechanisms:...
Gene Flow02:39

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).Mechanisms of Genetic VariationThe original sources of genetic variation are mutations,...
Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes03:21

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.

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Linear Amplification Mediated PCR – Localization of Genetic Elements and Characterization of Unknown Flanking DNA
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Published on: June 25, 2014

Lateral genetic transfer: open issues.

Mark A Ragan1, Robert G Beiko

  • 1Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. m.ragan@imb.uq.edu.au

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|July 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lateral genetic transfer (LGT) drives evolution and innovation across life. This study explores key open questions regarding LGT's role in genome evolution, acknowledging data and analytical limitations.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Lateral genetic transfer (LGT) is a significant evolutionary mechanism.
  • LGT contributes to metabolic, physiological, and ecological innovations.
  • It impacts most prokaryotes and some eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and discuss critical open questions about LGT's role in genome evolution.
  • To highlight the ongoing challenges and paradigm shifts in LGT research.
  • To address limitations in current data and analytical methods.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing genomic and evolutionary data.
  • Analysis of current research trends and challenges in LGT studies.
  • Identification of knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • LGT is a major force shaping genomes and driving adaptation.
  • Deep questions are emerging regarding LGT's evolutionary impact.
  • Limitations in data and analytical approaches require careful consideration.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding LGT is crucial for comprehending genome evolution.
  • Further research is needed to address complex questions and refine methodologies.
  • Acknowledging biases is essential for accurate LGT impact assessment.