The authors of a paper presented in The Biological Bulletin have provided the first direct evidence that the emerald green sea slug, an unusual little beast in that it helps sustain itself by photosynthesis, has within its chromosomes genes that come from the algae it eats.
This is an example of gene transfer from one species to another. In effect this is exactly what the the goal of gene therapy is. It is anticipated that gene therapy techniques will prevent many genetically based diseases in humans.
In the UK a type of gene of therapy was given approval in the House of Commons yesterday (three parent IVF). Some religious leaders opposed this important decision. Isn't it ironic that their protestations are rebutted by nature itself. Anyway enjoy the article.
http://phys.org/news/2015-02-sea-slug-genes-algae-photosynthesize.html
