TERM PAPER SUBMISSION TO CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

TERM PAPER SUBMISSION IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTERS OF BOTANY ,BATCH 2023-2025

TOPIC

HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER IN PLANTS

SUBMITTED BY

PUJA KUMARI GUPTA

ENROLMENT NO. :-232mscbot54

FIRST SEMESTER

SUBMITTED TO

Dr PANKAJ BHARDWAJ

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB BATHINDA,PUNJAB-151401

 Abstract
The importance of genetic information transmission in plants is discussed in the text, with a
focus on the traditional vertical transmission through reproduction as being crucial for
maintaining the integrity of the species. In spite of this, recent studies have demonstrated the
frequency of horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) in plants, a process in which genetic material is
transferred across reproductive barriers between distinct species. It is acknowledged that a wide
range of living things, including plants, experience this phenomenon. Next-generation
sequencing technologies (NGS) are recognised as a game-changing instrument that makes it
possible to study HGTs using comparative genomic methods.In this we discuss about how our
knowledge of the flow of genetic information in plants is changing and clarifies how genetic
exchange is dynamic and not just vertically transmitted

1.INTRODUCTION
In organisms, the vertical transmission of genetic information through reproduction is crucial for
maintaining the identity within populations and ensuring species integrity. Sexual reproduction
in most eukaryotic species also contributes to sustaining adaptive diversity within populations,
forming the basis of the neo-Darwinian theory of evolution. This dual nature of living organisms,
emphasizing self-diversity, has been a cornerstone in evolutionary biology for over a century.
Historically, horizontal gene transfers (HGTs), involving the transmission of genetic material
across reproductive barriers, were considered rare and inconsequential in multicellular
organisms. However, their importance has been recognized in prokaryotes(Tatum & Lederberg,
1947), notably in processes such as antibiotic resistance dissemination(Juhas, 2015). HGTs are
so pervasive among bacteria and archaea that they challenge traditional taxonomic concepts in
these kingdoms(W. F. Doolittle, 2012). In eukaryotes, especially plants, HGTs were initially
deemed rare, but numerous reports over the past three decades have revealed their frequent
occurrence among protists, plants, animals, and fungus(Mizrokhi & Mazo, 1990a),(R. F.
Doolittle et al., 1990). Transposable elements (TEs) appear particularly susceptible to horizontal
transfers, potentially aiding in their survival and dissemination in plant genomes(R. F. Doolittle
et al., 1990). To establish the significance of HGTs in eukaryotic evolution, both the mechanisms
causing them and their biological consequences need to be explored. While parasitism is often
considered a potential driver of HGTs, reports suggest alternative routes for interspecific gene
flows(Lanciano et al., 2017). The consequences of HGTs involve questions about the
functionality of transferred genetic material in new backgrounds and whether it can contribute to
biological novelty. Advancements in next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) have
revolutionized the study of HGTs, enabling accelerated discoveries through comparative
genomic approaches. This review aims to present the current understanding of HGTs in plants,
focusing on recent discoveries, potential transfer mechanisms (some specific to plants), and the
impact of interspecific gene flows on plant evolution.
1.PARASITISM
Interactions between hosts and parasites are involved in HGTs in eukaryotes, indicating that
biological promiscuity either supports or facilitates the transfers. Like all other eukaryotes, plants
are home to a wide range of parasites from every realm. It's interesting to note that evidence of
HGTs has been found between plants and bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasitic plants.

2.1 PARASITIC PLANT

One potential pathway for HGTs is the close relationship that exists between parasitic plants and
their hosts. Actually, through a haustorium, parasitic plants create vascular connections with
their host plant
that allow for the regular transport of nutrients, water, proteins, mRNAs, and pathogens.
(Sanchez‐Puerta et al., 2017) the first to document an instance of HGT (the mitochondrial atp1
gene) involving multiple Plantago species and the parasite genera Cuscuta and Bartsia. Since
then, a number of investigations have established that mitochondrial gene HGTs between hosts
that are parasitic plants and their frequent.(Mower et al., 2010) were the first to document an
instance of HGT (the mitochondrial atp1 gene) between multiple Plantago species and the parasite
genera Cuscuta and Bartsia. Since then, a number of investigations have established that mitochondrial
gene HGTs between parasitic plants and the plants they inhabit are frequent.(Park et al., 2015) The
subject of whether mitochondrial membranes are permeable to nucleic acids has been brought up by
plants' tendency to exchange mitochondrial DNA through horizontal transfers.(Koulintchenko, 2003)
discovered a DNA uptake pathway into plant mitochondria that is reliant on transmembrane potential.
Most likely, a voltage-dependent anion channel is involved in this process.(Mizrokhi & Mazo, 1990b) It
remains to be shown whether this is the only mechanism that makes it easier for nucleic acids to enter
and exit this organelle. Studies of the transcriptome of parasitic plants have demonstrated that
transcripts can flow both ways between them and their host(Wijayawardena et al., 2013),(Xi et al.,
2012) This points to an RNA-based transfer process in which the host genome is incorporated into the
RNA after it has been reverse-transcribed into DNA. This should cause the newly integrated gene's
promoter region and introns to disappear, which calls into question what will happen to these genes in the
receiving species. The transfer of a gene with an unknown function from the parasitic plant Striga to
Sorghum is one instance of this .(Yoshida et al., 2010) shown that there was a gene transfer between these
two species that encodes a protein with 448 amino acids. But a recent study did not support this theory—
that the HGT mechanism is transcription-dependent.(Kim et al., 2014) who demonstrated how the
mobility of genomic DNA produced the HGTs discovered in the genome of the parasite species Cuscuta.
More recently, Kado and Innan conducted a comparative genomes study between five parasitic plants
and their host.(Wallau et al., 2012) It is estimated that 0.1–0.2% of the genes in plants that are obligate
parasites were derived from their host's HGTs. Large genomic sections (greater than 100 kbp) were also
demonstrated to be transported at once, indicating that the theory of a transcription-dependent process is
not supported.

3.GRAFTING
Grafting, a centuries-old horticultural practice involving the joining of vascular tissues from different
plants, has been widely utilized economically. Over a century ago, experimental grafting emerged as a
tool for studying molecular movement within plants. This technique demonstrated the circulation of not
only hormones and metabolites but also genetic information, such as mRNAs, small RNAs, and genomic
DNA, through vascular tissues.

A landmark study by Stegemann and Bock employed grafting experiments with Nicotiana tabacum
mutants carrying distinct antibiotic resistance and reporter genes. The results showed fused genetic
material in cells isolated from the graft site, indicating the transfer of genetic information between
mutants. Further studies demonstrated the transfer of a chloroplast between different Nicotiana species
through grafting, known as plastid capture. Additionally, allopolyploid plants were regenerated from
grafting experiments between tree species (Nicotiana glauca) and herbaceous species (Nicotiana
tabacum), showing that grafting can lead to the origin of allopolyploid species.
Notably, natural grafting has been observed in ecosystems, suggesting that it could serve as a mechanism
for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in plants. This highlights the potential significance of grafting in
facilitating genetic exchange among plant species.

4.FOOD CHAIN

The "you are what you eat" hypothesis suggests that horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) could naturally
occur along the food chain, involving prokaryotes and phagotrophic eukaryotes that feed on them.
Limited evidence supports this idea, with the sea slug Elysia chlorotica being a notable example. When
feeding on the algae Vaucheria litorea, this slug becomes photosynthetic through the acquisition of algae
chloroplasts. Although this transfer is not transgenerational since the acquired chloroplasts are not passed
to the slug's eggs, it illustrates that genetic material can be transmitted and remain functional throughout
the food chain(Weber-Lotfi et al., 2015)

5.CONCLUSION
It is now widely admitted that HGTs are widespread in eukaryotes and this reviewprovides some
examples of HGTs where plants are involved. As mentioned in the introduction,the open questions
regarding HGTs concern mainly the mechanisms that enable geneflows across distinct taxonomic groups
and their biological impact. As for the mechanisms, it is clear that the majority of HGTs concern species
that live in biological promiscuity. In this regard, it is not surprising to observe HGTs involving viruses,
bacteria, or fungi,while plant-to-plant transfers evidenced so far concern either parasitic plants or
grafting.The exchange of genetic material through physical contact therefore appears as the
mainmechanism. However, the next step towards our understanding of interspecific gene flowsis to
unravel how HGTs could occur between species with no biological relationships and,in particular,
whether parasites may act as vectors, or “genetic bridges”, to spread adaptive genes among sympatrical
species within or across kingdoms, thereby contributing to the adaptation of ecosystems to environmental
changes.
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