key term - Horizontal Acquisition of Genetic Information

Definition

This is a process where an organism incorporates genetic material from another organism without being the offspring of that organism. It's also known as lateral gene transfer.

Related terms

Vertical Gene Transfer: The transmission of DNA from parent to offspring.

Transformation: A type of horizontal gene transfer in which naked DNA is taken up by a bacterial cell.

Conjugation: A form of sexual reproduction in some bacteria where one bacterium transfers its genetic material to another bacterium via direct contact.