Review article

Vertical and horizontal gene transfer in lichens

MONIKA TUNJIĆ ; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
PETRA KORAČ orcid.org/0000-0003-4783-2114 ; Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, which consist of a mycobiont (fungus)
and a photobiont (green alga or cyanobacteria). They inhabit a wide range of ecological niches. Genetic variations among different lichen populations reflect both vertical and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer refers to aseuxal and sexual propagation of lichens. Horizontal gene transfer occurs in each symbiont separately, between that symbiont and the organism of some other species. Horizontal gene transfer enables adaptation through long time periods, while vertical gene transfer enables adaptation to sudden environmental changes. Genetic structures of lichen populations, together
with vertical and horizontal gene transfer patterns, provide insight in the past evolutionary events and present changes that lichens are going through. Lichens have many different roles in the environment, bringing benefits to other organisms. Studying genetic variation and gene transfer patterns offers improvement and development of conservational strategies for lichen protection and survival

Keywords

lichen symbiosis; horizontal gene transfer; vertical gene transfer

Hrčak ID:

110652

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/110652

Publication date:

30.9.2013.

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