Xenogenes

Xenogenes are genes that have been acquired by an organism from a different species. This transfer of genetic material, known as horizontal gene transfer (HGT), is a common phenomenon in prokaryotes like bacteria and archaea. While less frequent in eukaryotes, it does occur. The presence of xenogenes can significantly alter the traits of the recipient organism, conferring new abilities or resistances. For example, antibiotic resistance genes are often spread between bacteria via HGT, making xenogenes a crucial factor in the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. In some cases, xenogenes can originate from viruses or plasmids that integrate into the host genome. The study of xenogenes is important for understanding evolutionary processes, the spread of pathogens, and the potential for genetic engineering. Identifying and characterizing xenogenes involves comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses to distinguish them from the organism's native gene set.