Horizontal Transfer

of genes Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a process in which genetic material is transferred from one organism to another without the involvement of reproduction. It is an important evolutionary mechanism in which beneficial genetic material can be acquired quickly in response to environmental changes. HGT has been documented in bacteria, archaea, plants and animals, and is thought to have played a role in the emergence and evolution of numerous species. As well as providing genetic variation to the recipient organisms, HGT has also been implicated in the spread of antibiotic resistance, virulence and toxin-producing genes across organisms. As such, it is now being used as a tool in biotechnology for the manipulation of genetic material to enhance the quality of food, industrial products and biodegradation.