Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
"Horizontal Acquisition of Genetic Information" also found in: