horizontal gene transfer

English

Noun

horizontal gene transfer (countable and uncountable, plural horizontal gene transfers) (abbreviated as: HGT)

1. (genetics) The transfer of genetic material from one organism to another one that is not its offspring; especially common among bacteria.

   Synonym: lateral gene transfer

   • 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Kett: Biology Codex entry:

     Study of kett DNA shows evidence of horizontal gene transfer and the incorporation of genes from dozens of unknown species.

Further reading

• horizontal gene transfer on Wikipedia.Wikipedia