Science & Technology | GS II
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (Germany) reported the first visual evidence of a jumping gene moving directly from a predator microbe to its prey without a viral carrier.
What are jumping genes?
- Jumping genes, or transposable elements, are DNA sequences that can move from one location to another within a genome.
- They influence gene expression, genome evolution and genetic diversity.
- Some jumping genes can also move between different organisms through horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
What is Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)?
Horizontal Gene Transfer is the movement of genetic material between unrelated organisms, unlike normal inheritance from parent to offspring.It enables organisms to rapidly acquire new traits without reproduction.Traditionally, HGT was believed to occur mainly through viruses (gene carriers), plasmids or direct DNA uptake.
What is the new discovery?
- Scientists observed an RNA intron (a jumping genetic element) moving directly:
- No virus or other carrier was involved.
- This is the first visual confirmation of direct horizontal transfer of a jumping gene across species.
Why is this discovery important?
- Improves understanding of:
- Provides insights into:
What are its applications?
- Understanding antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Cancer biology research
- Development of circular RNA (circRNA)-based vaccines
- Synthetic biology and biotechnology
- Evolutionary genomics
Conclusion:
Understanding horizontal gene transfer can accelerate advances in evolutionary biology, biotechnology and antimicrobial research, enabling innovative solutions for future health and environmental challenges.