Mechanism of successful horizontal gene transfer between divergent organisms explained
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - 19:01
in Biology & Nature
The transfer of genes from one organism to another is potentially a rapid way for evolution to occur and for complicated novel functions to emerge. However, even when the two organisms in question are in close proximity to each other, such as in a symbiotic or parasitic relationship, the transfer of genetic material and its introduction into a new genome only marks the initial step for successful horizontal gene transfer. It is also necessary for the gene to be expressed in a way that benefits the new host and ensures that it is passed down through the generations.