2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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What is horizontal gene transfer (and why is it considered dangerous)?
     Jane Lee, B.S.: Jane Lee's area of focus at NHGRI is molecular biology and genetic counseling. "Gene transfer" refers to insertion or replacement of a piece of DNA in the host genome. It may be "dangerous" if the insertion interrupts a gene in the host.
Palms Middle School in CA (7th grade student)

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