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→Bacteria
== Bacteria ==
== Bacteria ==
I think that his article is confusing because the definition of microevolution doesn't match the description of bacteria very well. In particular, the discussion of bacteria includes horizontal gene transfer but the preceding text does not. When "bacteria can pass genes for antibiotic resistance between strains and even between species", is that microevolution or not? [[User:RSchlafly|RSchlafly]] 14:27, 5 April 2007 (EDT)
I think that his article is confusing because the definition of microevolution doesn't match the description of bacteria very well. In particular, the discussion of bacteria includes horizontal gene transfer but the preceding text does not. When "bacteria can pass genes for antibiotic resistance between strains and even between species", is that microevolution or not? [[User:RSchlafly|RSchlafly]] 14:27, 5 April 2007 (EDT)
It is not microevolution if the bacteria are passing the antibiotic resistance between each other through lateral transfer (horizontal gene transfer). This transfer by the way is done using plasimids. Now if the mutation occurs within the bacteria's chromosomal DNA outside the influence of the plasmid then it would be considered a form of divergent evolution. This has been shown to occur in the lab by exposing the bacteria to an enviroment of a perticular type of antibiotic.--[[User:Tims|TimS]] 15:43, 4 May 2007 (EDT)