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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.

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

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.

DNA-only Transposons

DNA-only Transposons

DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain crucial regulatory sequences, the vast majority of this DNA serves no known function. Typically, these regions of the genome are the ones in which the fastest change, in evolutionary terms, is observed, because there is typically little to no selection pressure acting on these regions to preserve their sequences.
In contrast, regions which code...

Gene Conversion

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: March 10, 2017

Microbial evolution through horizontal gene transfer by mobile genetic elements.

Maho Tokuda¹, Masaki Shintani^1,2,3,4

¹Department of Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan.

Microbial Biotechnology

|January 16, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) drive bacterial evolution and adaptation through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Understanding MGE mechanisms is key to combating antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Methodology for the Study of Horizontal Gene Transfer in Staphylococcus aureus

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Published on: March 10, 2017

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Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach

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Published on: December 14, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Genetics
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are key drivers of bacterial evolution and adaptation.
MGEs, including plasmids and transposons, facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
The spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) is significantly mediated by MGEs via HGT, posing a public health threat.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of the mechanisms by which MGEs mediate HGT in microbes.
To discuss the behavior of conjugative plasmids in various environments.
To summarize recent methodologies for tracing MGE dynamics.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on MGEs and HGT mechanisms.
Analysis of conjugative plasmid behavior under different conditions.
Compilation of current techniques for tracking MGE dynamics.

Main Results:

MGEs are central to bacterial adaptation and the dissemination of ARGs.
Conjugative plasmids exhibit diverse behaviors influenced by environmental factors.
Various methodologies exist for monitoring MGE dynamics in microbial populations.

Conclusions:

A thorough understanding of MGE-mediated HGT is crucial for developing strategies against ARG spread.
Targeting MGEs could be a viable approach to control antimicrobial resistance.
Further research into MGE dynamics will aid in mitigating public health risks associated with antibiotic resistance.