The following question refers to this phylogenetic tree, depicting the origins of life and the three domains. Horizontal lines indicate instances of gene or genome transfer.

A possible phylogenetic tree for the three domains of life.
Which of these processes can be included among those responsible for the horizontal components of the figure?
A) endosymbiosis
B) mitosis
C) binary fission
D) point mutations

Question

The following question refers to this phylogenetic tree, depicting the origins of life and the three domains. Horizontal lines indicate instances of gene or genome transfer.

A possible phylogenetic tree for the three domains of life.
Which of these processes can be included among those responsible for the horizontal components of the figure?
A) endosymbiosis 
B) mitosis 
C) binary fission 
D) point mutations

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Endosymbiosis is a process by which one organism lives inside another and evolves into a mutually beneficial relationship. This process can result in the transfer of genetic material between the symbiotic partners, resulting in horizontal gene transfer. The horizontal lines in the phylogenetic tree likely represent instances of endosymbiosis and the resulting genomic transfer between organisms. Mitosis and binary fission are types of cell division and do not involve horizontal gene transfer. Point mutations are changes in the genetic code of an individual organism and are not processes that result in horizontal gene transfer between different organisms.

The Following Question Refers to This Phylogenetic Tree, Depicting the Origins