Horizontal Gene Transfer

Question 1

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Answer 1

The transfer of genetic material between organisms without involving vertical (parental) inheritance.

Question 2

Role of HGT in SM

Answer 2

Rapid adaptation and translation.

Question 3

What type of gene is used in HGT?

Answer 3

Modular and compact SM gene clusters.

Question 4

Example of HGT in SM production.

Answer 4

Beta-lactams are made by fungi that do not naturally produce them.

Question 5

HGT analysis example

Answer 5

HGT analysis discovered that HGT occurred in related phylogenies allowing species to outcompete competitors.

Question 6

Mechanisms of HGT

Answer 6

1. Plasmid transfer
2. Transposable elements
3. Fungal bacterial interactions

Question 7

Plasmid transfer

Answer 7

Gene clusters are transferred in plasmids.

Question 8

Transposable elements

Answer 8

DNA segments that can move within or between genomes.

Question 9

Bacterial Fungal interactions

Answer 9

Close ecological association over time allowed interkingdom HGT.

Question 10

Origin of beta lactam antibiotics

Answer 10

Cephalosporins and peniclliums acquired the gene clusters from bacterial HGT.

Question 11

Steps in producing beta-lactam antibiotics

Answer 11

1. ACV synthetase forms tripeptide-beta-L-alpha-aminoadipyl-L-cysteinyl-D-valine.
2. This is converted to isopenicillin N by isopenicillin N synthase
3. Expandase modifies this according to the specific fungi.

Question 12

Which penicllium genes come from HGT with bacteria?

Answer 12

pcbAB, penDE and pcbC allow for the enzymes of penicillin production.

Question 13

Evolutionary example for HGT

Answer 13

Cephalosporin emerged from penicillin ancestors due to cefEF genes after HGT with bacteria.