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  • difference between horizontal and vertical gene transfer

    • difference between horizontal and vertical gene transfer

    Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Gene Transfer

    Gene transfer refers to the transfer of DNA containing functional genes between any two organisms. This exchange occurs naturally as well as artificially, and is of two types - horizontal and vertical. These types are discussed and differentiated in the following Buzzle article.

    Application
    The process of gene transfer forms the basis for the development of gene therapy, which is emerging as an important tool in overcoming congenital genetic defects in organisms.
    Gene transfer is defined as the introduction of genetic material into a living cell in order to induce and achieve synthesis of a desired gene product. It occurs by the conveyance of a DNA from a donor cell to a recipient cell. Once the genetic material is received, it is incorporated into the genome of the recipient cell, thereby, producing a recombinant cell. The primary purpose of such a transfer is to impart the recipient cell with additional qualities and abilities that will aid its adaptability and survival. DNA can be passed between the cells in various ways that are divided into two major categories―horizontal and vertical mode of transfer. The terms horizontal and vertical refers to the generation of the cells involved, i.e., when a gene is transferred between individuals of unrelated generations, it is said to be a horizontal transfer; and when the gene is passed on from parental organism to its own progeny, it is said to be vertical.
    Horizontal Gene Transfer Vs. Vertical Gene Transfer
    Definition
    ► Transfer of genetic material between unrelated individuals
    ► Transfer of genetic material from parental organism to progeny
    Natural Mechanisms
    ► Transformation ► Transduction ► Bacterial Conjugation
    ► Reproduction
    Artificial Mechanism
    ► Genetic engineering via the use of plasmids and viral vectors
    ► Progeny produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO)
    Diagrammatic Representation
    Antibiotic Resistance
    ► Developed in the organism when an antibiotic resistant gene is successfully incorporated by it
    ► Gained by the offspring only if the parent possessed it
    Example in Eukaryotes
    ► Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) contain multiple genes that have been inherited from fungi, including those responsible for the synthesis of torulene
    ► Division of cells by mitosis and meiosis
    Example in Humans
    ► Gene transfer of viral DNA by human papilloma virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer in human hosts
    ► Transmission of HIV infection from mother to child
    Advantages of Gene Transfer
    ► Acquisition of beneficial genes. ► Faster method of gaining a gene as compared to evolutionary development of a gene. ► New metabolic pathways can be acquired. ► Can be used to replace damaged and defunct genes (gene therapy).
    Disadvantages of Gene Transfer
    ► The new gene may be non-functional, hence, increasing quantity of junk DNA. ► It could be a transposable element, hence, be unstable. ► New gene may exhibit antagonistic function towards existing genes. ► New genetic material could be from a viral particle or from a parasite, thereby, proving to be harmful.
    Both types of gene transfer methods are used in in vitro studies in research laboratories to better understand gene function and its role in the development of an organism.

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