Question
Lateral gene transfer can happen between bacterial cells through the exchange of circular pieces of DNA called plasmids.
3. How is lateral gene transfer different from the gene duplication that occurs during cell division?
Type your answer here.
During conjugation, two bacteria are side by side, and one bacterium has a red circle. A line connects the red circle to the second bacterium. After conjugation, both bacteria have the red circle.
3. How is lateral gene transfer different from the gene duplication that occurs during cell division?
Type your answer here.
During conjugation, two bacteria are side by side, and one bacterium has a red circle. A line connects the red circle to the second bacterium. After conjugation, both bacteria have the red circle.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Lateral gene transfer and gene duplication that occurs during cell division are fundamentally different processes.
Lateral gene transfer (also known as horizontal gene transfer) involves the movement of genetic material between organisms, typically within the same generation, such as between bacteria. This process allows bacteria to acquire new genes, which can confer advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic capabilities. The classic methods of lateral gene transfer include transformation (uptake of free DNA), transduction (transfer of DNA via a virus), and conjugation (direct transfer of DNA between bacteria via a physical connection, often facilitated by plasmids).
On the other hand, gene duplication during cell division occurs when a bacterium replicates its own genome in preparation for division. When a bacterium divides, it makes an identical copy of its entire genome, ensuring that each daughter cell inherits the same genetic information. This process is an essential part of cell division and is more about the maintenance of genetic continuity between generations rather than the introduction of new genetic material.
In summary, lateral gene transfer introduces new genetic material from one organism to another, while gene duplication is a mechanism for faithfully passing on existing genetic material during cell division.
Lateral gene transfer (also known as horizontal gene transfer) involves the movement of genetic material between organisms, typically within the same generation, such as between bacteria. This process allows bacteria to acquire new genes, which can confer advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic capabilities. The classic methods of lateral gene transfer include transformation (uptake of free DNA), transduction (transfer of DNA via a virus), and conjugation (direct transfer of DNA between bacteria via a physical connection, often facilitated by plasmids).
On the other hand, gene duplication during cell division occurs when a bacterium replicates its own genome in preparation for division. When a bacterium divides, it makes an identical copy of its entire genome, ensuring that each daughter cell inherits the same genetic information. This process is an essential part of cell division and is more about the maintenance of genetic continuity between generations rather than the introduction of new genetic material.
In summary, lateral gene transfer introduces new genetic material from one organism to another, while gene duplication is a mechanism for faithfully passing on existing genetic material during cell division.