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Related Concept Videos

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:...
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.
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.
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.
Evolution of Microbial Genome01:08

Evolution of Microbial Genome

Microbial genome evolution is a highly dynamic process shaped by continual gene gain and loss across species and strains. This genomic flexibility allows microorganisms to adapt rapidly to environmental pressures and interactions with other organisms. Central to understanding this diversity is the distinction between the core and pan genomes.The core genome comprises the genes shared by all sampled strains of a species, representing essential functions needed for fundamental cellular processes.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
10:39

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

Phylogeny vs genome reshuffling: horizontal gene transfer.

Sadhana Lal1, Simrita Cheema, Vipin C Kalia

  • 1Microbial Biotechnology and Genomics; Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR), Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi, 110 007 India.

Indian Journal of Microbiology
|October 27, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) drives rapid evolution in distantly related species, evident in antibiotic resistance. This genetic exchange challenges traditional evolutionary models based on 16S rDNA, highlighting its role in increasing biodiversity.

Keywords:
EvolutionHorizontal gene transferPhylogeny

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Last Updated: May 17, 2026

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus
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Published on: March 10, 2017

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Published on: March 24, 2023

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
08:03

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations

Published on: December 7, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Evolutionary history is shaped by genetic material transfer.
  • Gene transfer between closely related species is slow, while transfer between distant species drives rapid evolution.
  • Antibiotic resistance genes in pathogens exemplify rapid evolution via gene transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in evolutionary processes.
  • To analyze discrepancies in phylogenetic trees caused by HGT.
  • To highlight the impact of HGT on genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative phylogenetic analysis using genes involved in metabolism and antibiotic resistance.
  • Comparison of gene trees with 16S rDNA-based taxonomic trees.
  • Identification of HGT events through atypical sequence composition and phylogenetic distribution.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic trees of metabolic and antibiotic resistance genes show incongruities with 16S rDNA trees.
  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events explain these discrepancies.
  • Post-genomic data reveal the limitations of traditional evolutionary models.

Conclusions:

  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a significant driver of rapid evolution and genetic diversity.
  • HGT challenges the reliability of 16S rDNA for reconstructing evolutionary history in all cases.
  • Increased genetic diversity from HGT may enhance ecosystem resource use and resilience.