Insect herbivores benefit from horizontal gene transfer

Evidence suggests that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is relatively common in eukaryotes, contrary to what was previously believed. For example, insects that feed on complex sugars and neutralize, degrade, and sequester toxic secondary metabolites have recently been shown to benefit by acquiring genes through HGT. Evidence suggests that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is relatively common in eukaryotes, contrary to what was previously believed. For example, insects that feed on complex sugars and neutralize, degrade, and sequester toxic secondary metabolites have recently been shown to benefit by acquiring genes through HGT.