Gene Transfer: gene-eating bacteria

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Information about genetic material, present in the genes as DNA, can be 'read' by bacteria, plants and animais alike. Bacteria and plant residues are found cheek by jowl in the soil as well as in humain and animal intestines, so in theory there is plenty of opportunity for bacteria to pick up plant genes. And it has in fact been going on for millions of years. What do we know about it? What is the probability of gene transfer? What are the risks involved? With genetic engineering, DNA can now be transferred between species and find its way into bacteria. How likely is this to happen, and what are the hazards?