Horizontal gene transfer: Its impacts and influences

Abstract

In genomic and biological evolution, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has been highly debated. The idea of horizontal gene transfer is the non-genealogical transfer of genetic substances between all forms of organisms including the marine organisms, which are not in parent-offspring relationships. It takes place independently in the meiotic and mitotic recombination between individuals by means of hybridizing or mating. In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic evolution, HGT plays a. major role in the evolution of various organisms including both terrestrial and marine such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants and animals. In the current review, we have highlighted about the different types of horizontal gene transfer,factors affecting the HGT its benefits and its impact on nutritional value.