Question 100
Elysia chlorotica is a species of sea slug that feeds on green algae. Scientists have found that this sea slug can make its own food when food is scarce in the chilly coastal waters where it lives. It “steals” genes from the algae, allowing itself to survive without feeding for several days.
This process is called horizontal gene transfer or HGT. In HGT, genetic material is transferred between organisms, rather than through the typical parent-to-offspring inheritance. In the case of these sea slugs, genetic material is transferred between unrelated species.
So far, these sea slugs are one of the only known examples of this process occurring between multicellular organisms.
How does horizontal gene transfer (HGT) differ from typical inheritance?
This process is called horizontal gene transfer or HGT. In HGT, genetic material is transferred between organisms, rather than through the typical parent-to-offspring inheritance. In the case of these sea slugs, genetic material is transferred between unrelated species.
So far, these sea slugs are one of the only known examples of this process occurring between multicellular organisms.
How does horizontal gene transfer (HGT) differ from typical inheritance?
