Scientists have found that horizontal gene transfer, a non-sexual way for genes to move between organisms, occurs not only in bacteria and fungi but also in a surprising range of animals, including humans. This discovery suggests that biology may need a broader, more unified theory of evolution. Researchers at the Institute of General Genetics and at the Siberian Federal University have highlighted a growing evidence base for these mechanisms and their potential to reshape how we understand inheritance and adaptation.
A new world of possibilities is emerging. It is possible that coupling mechanisms similar to those observed in microbes exist in other organisms. Foreign RNA or DNA could be integrated into a host genome and then repurposed as part of the organism’s defense against the same foreign pathogens. These ideas push scientists to consider how genetic material acquired during life might influence future generations under certain conditions.
If these horizontal transfers occur in germ cells, the changes can be inherited by offspring. Such inheritance would echo Lamarckian ideas about traits changing during an organism’s lifetime and being passed on to descendants. While Lamarck’s theory was long debated and Darwin’s theory of natural selection became dominant, new findings invite a nuanced view of how acquired traits might contribute to evolution alongside traditional mechanisms.
Horizontal gene transfer can drive evolution by introducing new genes that expand an organism’s capabilities. This can lead to novel functions, altered traits, and even increased resistance to antibiotics and environmental stresses. The possibility that genomes might integrate foreign genetic material underlines the dynamic nature of evolution and the interconnectedness of life.
Some scientists argue that the time is ripe for a synthetic framework that blends traditional Darwinian ideas with Lamarckian concepts, yielding a revised paradigm in biology. Such a shift would reflect a more intricate picture of how life adapts and evolves over generations, moving beyond a single, linear pathway to a network of possible genetic exchanges and reinventions.
Further reading explores how evidence-based medicine interprets the role of foreign genes from food in allergies and whether GMOs could become part of the human genome. The ongoing research in these areas continues to build a more integrated understanding of biology, health, and evolution. Researchers emphasize the importance of cautious, rigorous study as they map these complex interactions and their implications for medicine, agriculture, and our conception of heredity. The material aims to present a balanced view of emerging theories while acknowledging the foundational work that shaped modern biology.