Horizontal gene switch: Frogs have acquired DNA from snakes with the assistance of parasites

Horizontal DNA switch, as soon as considered a uncommon occasion, has occurred between snakes and frogs no less than 54 occasions previously 85 million years

By Jake Buehler

Many snakes make meals of frogs, however some seem like transferring their DNA into the amphibians as effectively. A genetic evaluation means that parasites shared between snakes and frogs might facilitate the motion of genetic materials from one species to a different.

The “horizontal” switch of DNA between species was lengthy thought of a uncommon occasion that passed off solely between microbes, however there’s rising proof that the method has been occurring all around the tree of life.

Genetic sequences referred to as transposons – …