Dictionary > Vertical gene transfer

Vertical gene transfer

Definition
noun
(genetics) The transfer of genes from parents to offspring
Supplement
Gene transfer refers to the movement of genetic material. There are two types of gene transfer: (1) vertical gene transfer and (2) horizontal gene transfer (or transposition). In vertical gene transfer, the transfer of genetic material is from parents to offspring. It may be through sexual or asexual reproduction. In contrast, the horizontal gene transfer is the movement of genetic material from a donor organism to a recipient organism that is not its offspring.
In plant breeding, vertical gene transfer is applied by crossing two plants sexually so that their genes are passed on to the next generations. Such as in the case of a cross between a transgenic crop with herbicide resistance gene and a non-transgenic crop. The novel gene may subsequently be acquired by the non-transgenic crop. This is particularly utilized in order to breed crops with desired traits. For instance, in 1930s, plant breeders were able to develop rust-resistant variety of Triticum sp. (wheat) referred to as Hope.1
Abbreviation / Acronym: VGT
Compare:

See also:

  • gene transfer
  • reproduction
  • population
  • gene flow
  • Reference(s):

    1 Pratap, A. & Kumar, J. (2014). Alien Gene Transfer in Crop Plants. New York, NY: Springer.


    You will also like...

    Body temperature regulation by the hypothalamus
    Temperature Regulation in Animals

    This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..

    Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
    Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

    Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

    ..

    Chemical composition of the body
    Chemical Composition of the Body

    The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

    Wart-like leaf galls on grape leaves
    Plant Cell Defense

    Plants protect themselves by releasing hydrogen peroxide to fight against fungal invasion. Another way is by secreting c..

    vitamins
    A Balanced Vitamin Diet – Vitamins A – K

    A balanced diet is essential to a healthy organism. Insufficiency or too much of a particular element or compound, such ..

    Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
    New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History

    Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics