What is horizontal gene transfer?
Q: What is horizontal gene transfer?
A: Horizontal gene transfer is a process where an organism acquires genetic material from another organism that is not its offspring.
Q: How is horizontal gene transfer different from vertical transfer?
A: Vertical transfer occurs when an organism gets genetic material from its ancestor, while horizontal gene transfer occurs when an organism acquires genetic material from another organism that is not its offspring.
Q: What has most of the thinking in genetics focused on?
A: Most of the thinking in genetics has focused on vertical transfer.
Q: Why is horizontal gene transfer a significant phenomenon?
A: Horizontal gene transfer is a significant phenomenon because amongst single-celled organisms, it may be the dominant form of genetic transfer.
Q: What is artificial horizontal gene transfer?
A: Artificial horizontal gene transfer is a type of genetic engineering that involves the deliberate transfer of genetic material from one organism to another.
Q: Can horizontal gene transfer occur between organisms of different species?
A: Yes, horizontal gene transfer can occur between organisms of different species.
Q: Do all organisms experience horizontal gene transfer?
A: No, only some organisms experience horizontal gene transfer, particularly single-celled organisms.
