Day 40 of 365
February 9
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Biology Horizontal Gene Transfer
While animals inherit genes vertically from parents, bacteria can transfer genes horizontally between unrelated organisms. This process spreads antibiotic resistance rapidly and enables bacteria to acquire new capabilities almost instantly. Horizontal gene transfer challenges the traditional tree of life concept and explains why evolution in microorganisms happens so quickly. Humans even carry bacterial genes acquired through ancient horizontal transfers.
💡 Did you know?
About 8% of human DNA actually comes from ancient viruses that infected our ancestors and got permanently incorporated into our genome!
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