What is horizontal gene transfer?

Horizontal gene transfer refers to the process by which an organism incorporates genetic material from another organism without being its offspring, allowing for the exchange of genes across different species. This is a significant mechanism in microbial genetics and evolution, as it can confer new traits, such as antibiotic resistance, to recipient organisms. Unlike vertical gene transfer, which occurs when genes are passed from parent to offspring during reproduction, horizontal gene transfer allows for a more rapid adaptation to environmental pressures.

Due to its nature, this process often occurs in prokaryotes, such as bacteria, through mechanisms like transformation, transduction, and conjugation. It can significantly impact evolutionary dynamics, as it enables genetic variation and innovation that is not limited to lineage-related changes. Thus, the idea that a species can acquire DNA from a different species encapsulates the core principle of horizontal gene transfer effectively.