Horizontal gene transfer
Horizontal gene transfer
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) or lateral gene transfer (LGT) is a process in which an organism transfers genetic material to another organism that is not its offspring. Pronunciation: /hɔːrɪˈzɒntəl dʒiːn trænsˈfɜːr/
Etymology
The term "horizontal gene transfer" is derived from the concept of transferring genetic material horizontally, as opposed to vertically (from parent to offspring), which is the traditional method of genetic inheritance.
Definition
Horizontal gene transfer is a crucial factor in the evolution of many organisms. It is most common among bacteria, but can occur among any species. Unlike vertical transmission, which is from parent to offspring, horizontal gene transfer involves the transfer of genetic material from a donor organism to a recipient organism that is not its offspring, often of a different species.
Mechanisms
There are three primary mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer: transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
- Transformation involves the uptake of genetic material from the environment by a cell.
- Conjugation involves the transfer of genetic material between two cells in direct contact.
- Transduction involves the transfer of genetic material from one bacterium to another by a bacteriophage.
Significance
Horizontal gene transfer plays a significant role in evolution, particularly in the evolution of prokaryotes. It can lead to rapid genetic change and adaptation, allowing organisms to acquire new traits and abilities, such as antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Horizontal gene transfer
- Wikipedia's article - Horizontal gene transfer
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski