Sampling the mobile gene pool: innovation via horizontal gene transfer in bacteria

Hall, James PJ ORCID: 0000-0002-4896-4592, Brockhurst, Michael A and Harrison, Ellie (2017) Sampling the mobile gene pool: innovation via horizontal gene transfer in bacteria PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 372 (1735). 20160424-. ISSN 0962-8436, 1471-2970

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Abstract

In biological systems, evolutionary innovations can spread not only fromparent to offspring (i.e. vertical transmission), but also ‘horizontally’ between individuals, who may or may not be related. Nowhere is this more apparent than in bacteria, where novel ecological traits can spread rapidly within and between species through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This important evolutionary process is predominantly a by-product of the infectious spread ofmobile genetic elements (MGEs). We will discuss the ecological conditions that favour the spread of traits by HGT, the evolutionary and social consequences of sharing traits, andhowHGTis shaped by inherent conflicts between bacteria andMGEs. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Process and pattern in innovations from cells to societies’.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	lateral gene transfer, horizontal gene transfer, accessory genome, pan-genome
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	14 Feb 2019 08:30
Last Modified:	16 Jun 2026 14:23
DOI:	10.1098/rstb.2016.0424
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3032801
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