Discovery of Horizontal Gene Transfer

Evolution & Adaptation 1959

Discoverers: Tsutomu Watanabe

Overview

Demonstration that genes can transfer between unrelated organisms, particularly among bacteria, rather than only being inherited vertically from parent to offspring.

Significance

Revealed that the tree of life is actually a web, with gene flow across species boundaries reshaping our understanding of evolution and antibiotic resistance.

Methodology

Study of multi-drug resistance transfer between Shigella and E. coli via R-factors (resistance plasmids) in Japanese hospitals.

Impact