Horizontal gene transfer

Pronunciation
/HOR-iz-on-tal JEEN TRAN-sfer/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Horizontal gene transfer
Plural
Horizontal gene transfers

Definition

The movement of genetic material between organisms that are not related by descent, typically involving the transfer of genes or transposable elements from one organism to another.

Etymology

From the Greek words 'horizont' meaning 'across' and 'gene', referring to a gene.

Example

Horizontal gene transfer can allow bacteria to acquire antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria.

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