The inheritance of particular characteristics results from the transmission of associated genes from one generation to the next
- As this transmission requires reproduction by the organism/s and occurs across generations it is called vertical gene transfer
- Typically, the only way for most organisms to develop particular genetic traits is via inheriting them from their parents
Bacteria can transfer genes between organisms within a generation via the exchange of plasmids by bacterial conjugation
- This transmission is called horizontal gene transfer as it occurs within a single generation
Humans have adapted the process by extracting plasmids from bacteria and using them as a vector to deliver genes of interest
- This has allowed humans to transfer genes not only within generations, but between separate species
- This form of evolutionary modification is a type of artificial selection as it occurs as a direct result of human intervention
Vertical vs Horizontal Gene Transfer
