Why are bacteria able to share their genes with each other, similar to how children share toys, but humans can’t do the same? What makes bacteria unique in this regard ?

Question

I understand that there are several challenges associated with horizontal gene transfer, including the risk of the transferred genes causing life threating diseases. Eukaryotes, like humans, have mechanisms to control gene transfer. Why can’t these mechanisms prevent the transfer of harmful genes and allow for beneficial horizontal gene transfer? Why haven’t humans developed this feature through evolution? Could we see this feature in future human generations( after a few billion years)?

Note: There are a few studies that talks about HGT in humans.

In: Biology

Answer 1

It can happen in humans, it’s just way more rare. Think of something like Kaposi’s sarcoma, or something similar. It’s a numbers game (and most multicellular organisms have mechanisms to mitigate the risk) but it still happens. The other reply explains things, but it does happen.