Biology / Unit 8 Bio 1815 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Horizontal Gene Transfer, Defined
Captions available
The idea
Horizontal gene transfer moves genetic material between unrelated species by a mechanism other than parent-to-offspring reproduction, complicating a strictly branching tree.
In practice
A gene moving directly from one unrelated bacterial species into another, rather than parent to offspring, is horizontal gene transfer.
Where people slip
Horizontal gene transfer bypasses reproduction entirely — a distinct route for a gene to spread, separate from vertical inheritance.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Biology