concept

horizontal gene transfer

Also known as: HGT

Facts (15)

Sources

Adaptive laboratory evolution – principles and applications for ... link.springer.com Springer Jul 1, 2013 4 facts

perspectiveThe role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in natural evolution remains a controversial topic.

claimHorizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a biological process.

claimThe toolbox model for prokaryotic cells suggests that metabolic pathways emerge through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and are rapidly acquired and lost based on nutrient availability.

referenceBoto L published 'Horizontal gene transfer in evolution: facts and challenges' in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences in 2010.

Medicinal plants: bioactive compounds, biological activities ... frontiersin.org Frontiers in Immunology 4 facts

referenceMichaelis and Grohmann (2023) reviewed the horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in biofilms.

claimPseudomonas aeruginosa acquires resistance genes for aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and extended-spectrum β-lactamases through horizontal gene transfer.

claimHorizontal gene transfer allows microorganisms to acquire antibiotic resistance genes from unrelated organisms primarily through transformation, transduction, and conjugation, while recombination can introduce or modify resistance genes within a recipient's genome.

claimThe presence of pre-existing resistance genes within a microbial community, often obtained via horizontal gene transfer, can elevate the probability of resistance emergence against plant-derived antimicrobials, particularly if those compounds target the same mechanisms as traditional antibiotics.

Engineering biology applications for environmental solutions - Nature nature.com Nature Apr 14, 2025 2 facts

claimRecent advances enable the traceability of horizontal gene transfer events by inserting barcoded ribozymes into mobile genetic elements such as plasmids or transposons.

claimEngineered organisms pose potential risks including out-competing the native microbiome, performing unintended phenotypes that are detrimental in non-target environments, and the unintentional spread of traits through horizontal gene transfer.

Life on the Edge: Bioprospecting Extremophiles for Astrobiology link.springer.com Springer May 19, 2023 2 facts

claimExtremophiles adapt to selective pressures in extreme environments by developing proteins and enzymes capable of functioning under extreme conditions, modifying microbial membrane properties such as proton permeability and lipid structure, and utilizing genomic modifications like horizontal gene transfer of mobile genetic elements including plasmids, integrons, and bacteriophages.

claimViruses that co-occur with archaea and bacteria in Earth's biosphere are vital to biogeochemical cycles, evolution, horizontal gene transfer, and the dynamics of microbial communities.

a special or general case in the search for extra-terrestrial life academia.edu Academia.edu 1 fact

claimJessica M. Labonte et al. used single cell genomics to identify horizontal gene transfer and viral infections within a deep subsurface Firmicutes population.

The role of extremophile microbiomes in terraforming Mars - Nature nature.com Nature Nov 17, 2025 1 fact

claimIn natural extreme environments on Earth, microbial survival often relies on community-level properties like metabolic cooperation (syntrophy), biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer, hibernation, and quorum sensing rather than individual robustness.

Medicinal plants and human health: a comprehensive review of ... link.springer.com Springer Nov 5, 2025 1 fact

claimGene duplication events, chromosomal rearrangements, and horizontal gene transfer are the primary drivers in the evolution of plant secondary metabolism.