Abstract
This chapter describes the natural modes of genetic exchange and change. The natural mode of genetic exchange is mutation, which creates variation among individuals within a species. The total number of gene combinations potentially constructible by the action of genetic exchange within known populations is enormous. The chapter provides information derived from laboratory studies on genetic exchanges in prokaryotes, both intra and inter-specific. The transfer of genes between bacteria takes place in the laboratory by at least four different mechanisms—transformation, transduction, conjugation, and cell fusion. The chapter describes barriers to transfer and establishment of DNA. Genes can sometimes be transferred between distantly related organisms, but exchange between close relatives is more common. The factors limiting exchange in the former case is considered as barriers to free exchange. These include the properties of cell surface; restriction enzymes; incompatibility between entering and resident plasmids; and lack of homology in base sequence.
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