Horizontal Transfer of Genetic Information. Evolution of the Bacterial Genome

Šíma P., Trebichavský I.

Just as they have over billions of years in the past, bacteria are even now exchanging genetic information with both related and non-related species. According to assessments, the percentage of genetic material adopted from other bacteria can be as high as 90%. Alien DNA can be incorporated into the bacterial genome e.g. through recombination, integration or transformation of free DNA from the environment, which can be actively transferred through bacterial cover. This knowledge is of great importance when explaining the mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics and its transfer to other bacteria.

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