Gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria

Bacterial gene transfer differs from eukaryotes. Bacteria can transfer their genes both vertically and horizontally.

1. Vertical Gene Transfer

Genetic material is passed on from parent to the offspring vertically.

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2. Horizontal (Lateral) Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT or LGT) can be defined as the acquisition of a DNA fragment from elsewhere.

Physical transfer of DNA from one cell to another:

• Transformation: Naked bacterial DNA fragment is taken from the environment by bacteria.
• Transduction: Bacterial DNA fragment is transferred from one cell to another via viruses (phage).
• Conjugation: Bacterial DNA fragment is transferred by cell-to-cell contact between bacteria. It may entail the transfer of a plasmid or transposon.