Transmission patterns of eukaryotic transposable elements - arguments for and against horizontal transfer

TitleTransmission patterns of eukaryotic transposable elements - arguments for and against horizontal transfer
Publication TypeJournal Articles
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsCummings MP
JournalTrends Ecol EvolTrends Ecol Evol
Volume9
Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated that several classes of transposable elements are widely distributed within eukaryotes. Horizontal transmission of these transposable elements has often been invoked in order to explain the observed variation and relationships within and between species. These same patterns of variation and relationships, however, may originate from processes that do not involve the lateral transfer of genetic material across species.