Biology / Unit 8 Bio 1819 short lesson, about 20 seconds
HGT in Eukaryotes
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The idea
Horizontal gene transfer occurs in eukaryotes too, though less often than in prokaryotes, since eukaryotic sex cells are more protected from direct environmental exchange.
In practice
Certain aphids acquired fungal genes for pigment production through horizontal gene transfer, most likely while consuming fungi as food.
Where people slip
Horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes is documented but comparatively rare — most inheritance still follows ordinary parent-to-offspring transmission.
Your place on the trail
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