I CONTAIN MULTITUDES

conjugation

dna passses directly between bacteria cells via cell to cell contact

Transduction

a bacteriophage carries bacterial DNA from one bacterium to another

transformation

a bacterium takes up free DNA from its surroundings, which may have been released from dead bacterium

Horizontal Gene Transfer

the movement of genetic material between organisms outside the usual parent-to-offspring route

Vertical Gene transfer

parents to offspring

Gene Integration

Acquired DNA may become incorporated into a recipient’s genome; acquisition and stable integration are not automatically the same event.

Adaptive advantage

An acquired gene can help an organism use a food source, survive a condition, or occupy a niche—but it is not guaranteed to be beneficial.

Natural selection

If a genetic change improves survival or reproduction in a particular environment, it may become more common over generations.

Symbiosis vs. gene acquisition:

A host benefiting from a living microbial partner is not the same as a host carrying a gene that originated in another organism.

Seaweed-digesting gut bacteria

Bacteroides plebeius was reported to carry a gene associated with seaweed digestion. The gene was linked to the marine bacterium Zobellia galactanivorans. Takeaway: a gene from one microbial environment can provide a useful ability in anothe

Root-knot nematodes

hese plant parasites are discussed as an example of animals carrying genes of bacterial origin that help them exploit plants. Takeaway: HGT can add functions to an animal’s genetic toolkit.

Braconid wasps and viruses

Virus-derived genes or particles help braconid wasps suppress caterpillar immune defenses, aiding the wasp offspring’s development. Takeaway: genetic material with a viral origin can become useful in another organism’s biology.