They feared that one day the two organisms might naturally exchange genes without any external intervention.
The full genomes of the two organisms have already been determined.
Other molecules clinging to DNA can produce striking differences between two organisms with the same genes.
An exact analogy between the two organisms seems to be at present beyond the grasp of research.
Shallow-water corals are colonies of two organisms -- a plankton-eating polyp and sun-dependent algae called zooxanthellae.
Conjugation consists of the temporary union of two organisms and the exchange of micronuclear elements.
Lichens are two organisms in one, a shared existence between alga and fungus.
Mad for Science Imagine walking into a room and being asked to find two organisms that you had never heard of before.
They decided to transfer the genes, he said, because the two organisms were "closely related and often found in soil in close proximity".
Differential agar plates were used to differentiate the two organisms.
"The two organisms seem to be operating independently".
