{"id":42527,"date":"2023-09-05T15:23:13","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T09:38:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/?p=42527"},"modified":"2023-09-05T15:23:16","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T09:38:16","slug":"horizontal-gene-transfer-prokaryotes-eukaryotes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/horizontal-gene-transfer-prokaryotes-eukaryotes\/","title":{"rendered":"Horizontal Gene Transfer in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), also known as lateral gene transfer, is the transfer of genetic information between more or less distantly related organisms. It is different from vertical gene transfer, which involves the transfer of genetic material from parents to their offspring.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HGT contributes to the genetic, physiological, and ecological characteristics of the host organisms. The exchange of genetic material can have both positive and negative consequences on biological systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The occurrence of HGT is more likely between organisms that are in close proximity to each other, as their genomes have greater contact. HGT is more commonly observed among prokaryotes, mainly within groups of bacteria, but it can also happen in plants, animals, and other eukaryotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Also: Prokaryotes vs.\u00a0Eukaryotes (47 Key Differences)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to understand the different mechanisms by which HGT occurs. These mechanisms vary from the transfer of genetic material through transformation, conjugation, transduction, extracellular vesicles, and nanotubes in prokaryotes to the exchange of apoptotic bodies and cell-free DNA in eukaryotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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