Sunday, March 12, 2023

Horizontal Gene Transfer in animals

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have acquired genes from bacteria that help them to break down toxic compounds in their diet.

Sea slugs (Elysia chlorotica) have acquired genes from algae that enable them to photosynthesize, producing energy from sunlight.

Bdelloid rotifers have acquired genes from bacteria that help them to survive in desiccating environments.

Some species of lice (Pediculus spp.) have acquired genes from bacteria that help them to synthesize vitamins that are not present in their host's blood.

Salamanders (Ambystoma spp.) have acquired genes from algae that enable them to produce chlorophyll in their skin cells, potentially helping with camouflage or photosynthesis.

Tunicates (Didemnum vexillum) have acquired genes from bacteria that enable them to produce a bioluminescent compound.

The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) has acquired genes from a bacterium that enable it to produce antifungal compounds, which may protect its eggs from infection.

Squid (Euprymna scolopes) have acquired genes from bioluminescent bacteria that enable them to produce light and control the brightness and duration of their glow.

Hydra have acquired genes from bacteria that enable them to produce toxins, potentially helping them to fend off predators.

Some species of primates, including humans, have acquired genes from viruses that have been incorporated into their genome and may have played a role in evolution.

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