The mechanisms of gene transfer, described in detail
for type strains, have provided a framework for the
understanding of environmental gene transfer. Sterile
microcosm studies with known donors and recipients have
provided some valuable information on the potential for
transfer to occur, but may be misleading because of the
complications that the indigenous flora impose. Additionally,
terrestrially-derived models of gene transfer may have no
validity in marine or other environments. There is a need
for the isolation and description of marine gene transfer
systems, which may reveal novel mechanisms of transfer.