Genes Aren't Always From Ancestors

In an article recently published by Science Daily, the concept that certain genes can originate from other sources than ancestors was discussed.  According to researchers, horizontal gene transfer (transfer of genes between organisms in the same environment) does not only apply to simple, single celled organisms.  There is evidence that nematode worms have received genes from plants and some microorganisms and that species of beetles have acquired genes to produce specific enzymes from bacteria.  Finding that horizontal gene transfer can occur in more complex species (compared to bacteria) could explain the origin of certain traits.

Alastair Crisp, the head researcher, found that horizontal gene transfer happens in all levels of animals.  Humans have even experienced horizontal gene transfer.  One of the traits that we acquired from horizontal gene transfer was actually the ABO blood typing.  A significant amount of enzymes used in digestion were also found to originate from horizontal gene transfer.  Crisp confirmed that over one hundred genes can be linked to horizontal gene transfer.  Interestingly, protists, bacteria and viruses were the most common donors in HGT.  Understanding which genes come from HGT will help with the genome project, as it was believed that genes similar to bacteria were from contamination.

Finding out that humans have similar genes to bacteria is really interesting because they're not really as insignificant as we perceived.  If we can receive genes from microorganisms and evolve to be so advanced, why can't other species have genes horizontally transferred to them?  I think that finding out about HGT in complex species gives potential to make stronger species, which is both terrifying and fascinating.  

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