The transfer of genetic material from two unrelated species is called ________.
A) Vertical gene transfer
B) Conjugation
C) Sexual reproduction
D) Binary fission
E) Horizontal gene transfer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Horizontal gene transfer is the transfer of genetic material (such as plasmids or transposons) between two unrelated organisms, which may occur through a variety of mechanisms including transformation, transduction, and conjugation. Vertical gene transfer, on the other hand, is the transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring through reproduction (such as sexual or asexual reproduction). Conjugation is a specific type of horizontal gene transfer that involves the direct transfer of DNA between two bacterial cells through a conjugation bridge. Sexual reproduction and binary fission are not related to gene transfer between different species.

The Transfer of Genetic Material from Two Unrelated Species Is