The 'web of life' is an evolutionary model that accounts for the complexity of horizontal gene transfer among organisms, particularly microorganisms. Because genes can be absorbed from one species into another's genome, determining strict evolutionary relationships is difficult, prompting some scientists to conceptualize phylogeny as interconnected webs rather than traditional branching trees.

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Horizontal gene transfer is the movement of genetic material between organisms other than by the vertical transmission of DNA from parent to offspring. In bacteria, this process is a primary driver for the rapid spread of genetic traits, including antibiotic resistance genes.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

- Transformation
- Transduction
- Conjugation

Types of Horizontal Gene Transfer

Antibiotic resistance genes are specific genes within a microorganism's DNA that confer the ability to survive exposure to one or more antibiotics. These genes often code for proteins that perform resistance functions, such as enzymes that degrade antibiotics or efflux pumps that remove them from the cell. They can be located on the bacterial chromosome or on mobile genetic elements like plasmids, facilitating their spread through horizontal gene transfer.

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