Circulating nucleic acids: possible inherited effects. (7th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gahan, Peter
• Is Part Of: Biological journal of the Linnean Society. Volume 110:Number 4(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 931
• Page End: 948
• Publication Date: 2013-10-07
• Subjects: Biology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1111/bij.12160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-4066

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The presence of circulating nucleic acids in man, animals and plants is well documented. It is clear that such nucleic acids can not only circulate freely within an organism, but can also enter cells when their biology may be changed either epigenetically or genetically. Evidence is presented concerning a possible influence of these nucleic acid fragments on the genetics of the F1 generation of man, animals and plants. The data presented also offer a mechanism by which the incorporation of horizontally transferred genes between organisms may be achieved. The role that circulating nucleic acids might play in modifying the F1 generation and possibly the evolutionary process is considered. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, <italic>Biological Journal of the Linnean Society</italic>, 2013, <bold>110</bold>, 931–948.</p> </abstract>