Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
07:32
Biolistic Transformation of a Fluorescent Tagged Gene into the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Published on: March 19, 2015
Horizontal gene transfer in fungi.
1Genome Evolution Laboratory, Department of Biology, The National University of Ireland Maynooth, Maynooth, Ireland. david.fitzpatrick@nuim.ie
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|November 25, 2011
Summary
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a crucial role in eukaryotic genome evolution, especially in fungi. This review explores bioinformatics methods to detect HGT events and their evolutionary impact in fungi.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) was previously underestimated in eukaryotes, but is now recognized as significant.
- Fungi, with extensive genomic data, serve as a model for studying eukaryotic HGT.
- HGT can influence eukaryotic traits like metabolism, niche adaptation, and disease potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review bioinformatics methodologies for identifying HGT in fungal genomes.
- To investigate mechanisms of lateral genetic material transfer in fungi.
- To discuss the evolutionary impact and implications of HGT in fungal species.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatics-based approaches for HGT detection.
- Comparative genomics analysis of fungal genomes.
- Literature review of documented fungal HGT events.
Main Results:
- Fungi exhibit significant HGT, impacting their evolution.
- Various mechanisms facilitate gene transfer into fungal lineages.
- Identified HGT events have shaped fungal capabilities and diversity.
Conclusions:
- HGT is a vital evolutionary force in fungi.
- Understanding HGT in fungi provides insights into eukaryotic evolution.
- Further research on HGT is crucial for fungal genomics and evolutionary studies.
Related Concept Videos
02:18Types 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.
02:18Types 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.
01:27Horizontal 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:...
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
02:19Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes
A eukaryotic cell can have up to three different types of genetic systems: nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast. During evolution, organelles have exported many genes to the nucleus; this transfer is still ongoing in some plant species. Approximately 18% of the Arabidopsis thaliana nuclear genome is thought to be derived from the chloroplast’s cyanobacterial ancestor, and around 75% of the yeast genome derived from the mitochondria’s bacterial ancestor. This export has occurred irrespective...
01:19Conjugation
Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer that primarily occurs in bacteria and some archaea, promoting genetic diversity and adaptation. Bacteria can acquire resistance genes through conjugative plasmids, allowing them to survive antibiotic treatments that would otherwise be lethal. This process involves direct contact between cells through specialized structures such as the sex pilus and is mediated by conjugative plasmids, including the F (fertility) factor.Conjugation requires...