genoverdracht

Genoverdracht, or gene transfer, is the movement of genetic material within or between organisms. It encompasses inheritance from parent to offspring (vertical gene transfer) as well as transfers that occur between individuals, populations, or species without reproduction (horizontal gene transfer).

In prokaryotes, horizontal gene transfer is a major driver of genetic innovation. It occurs mainly through transformation (uptake of free DNA), transduction (DNA transferred by a bacteriophage), and conjugation (transfer via cell-to-cell contact through a pilus). Plasmids and other mobile genetic elements often carry genes for antibiotic resistance or metabolism, enabling rapid adaptation and sometimes spread of traits across species.

In plants and animals, gene transfer is typically vertical but occasional horizontal events have been documented, often via vectors such as parasites, grafts, or symbiotic associations. Transposable elements can move within genomes, reshaping gene regulation and architecture. Pollen-mediated transfer in plants is the standard reproductive mechanism, while cross-species genetic exchange is comparatively rare but has been observed in some cases.

In biotechnology and medicine, genoverdracht is achieved experimentally through vector-based delivery systems, including viral and non-viral methods, to introduce or edit genes in cells. Techniques such as transfection, viral vectors, CRISPR-based editing, and gene therapy rely on controlled gene transfer to study function or treat disease. Ethical and biosafety considerations apply, particularly regarding unintended spread of genetic material and ecological impact.

Historically, the concept of gene transfer emerged from classic experiments on transformation in bacteria in the early 20th century. The Griffith experiment (1928) showed that DNA could transfer heritable information, and later work by Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty (1944) identified DNA as the genetic material. Gene transfer remains a central concept in evolution, genetics, and biotechnology.