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Horizontal Gene Transfer

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:...

Export of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Genes

Export 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...

Types of Genetic Transfer Between Organisms

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 Organisms

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.

Diversity of Protists II

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Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...

Conjugation

Conjugation

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...

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Horizontal gene transfer in choanoflagellates.

Richard P Tucker¹

¹Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA. rptucker@ucdavis.edu

Journal of Experimental Zoology. Part B, Molecular and Developmental Evolution

|September 22, 2012

Summary

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) rapidly moves genes between organisms. In choanoflagellates, HGT introduced genes that influenced evolution and may have contributed to animal origins.

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Area of Science:

Genomics
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a key evolutionary mechanism in prokaryotes.
Evidence suggests HGT occurs between bacteria, protists, and metazoans.
Choanoflagellates, close relatives of animals, are increasingly recognized as recipients of HGT.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the extent and impact of HGT in the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis.
To explore the origins and functional significance of HGT-acquired genes in choanoflagellates.
To assess the contribution of HGT to the evolution of choanoflagellates and metazoans.

Main Methods:

Genomic analysis of Monosiga brevicollis.
Comparative genomics to identify genes of non-choanoflagellate origin.
Phylogenetic analysis to trace gene ancestry.

Main Results:

Approximately 1,000 genes in Monosiga brevicollis were identified as potentially acquired through HGT.
These genes originated from diverse sources including algae, bacteria, and other protists.
Some acquired genes conferred advantages in nutrient-poor environments, while others are conserved in animal genomes.

Conclusions:

HGT has played a significant role in shaping the genome and adaptive capabilities of choanoflagellates.
HGT into a common ancestor of choanoflagellates and animals may have been crucial for metazoan evolution.
The study highlights HGT as a dynamic force in eukaryotic evolution, bridging the gap between protists and animals.