Biology / Unit 8 Bio 1817 short lesson, about 20 seconds
HGT Mechanisms in Prokaryotes
Captions available
The idea
Prokaryotes exchange genetic material horizontally by three classical mechanisms: transformation, taking up free DNA; transduction, a virus carrying DNA; and conjugation, direct contact.
In practice
A bacterium acquiring an antibiotic-resistance gene by taking up free DNA released from a dead cell nearby is undergoing transformation.
Where people slip
These three are classical — gene transfer agents, virus-like particles carrying DNA, are a more recently discovered fourth mechanism.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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