Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer is a process where an organism gains genetic material from another organism without being its offspring. Unlike traditional reproduction, it allows bacteria and other microbes to quickly share traits, such as antibiotic resistance. This transfer occurs through mechanisms like transformation (picking up DNA from the environment), conjugation (direct transfer between cells), or transduction (virus-mediated transfer). Horizontal gene transfer plays a significant role in the evolution of microbes, enabling rapid adaptation to changing environments and influencing the spread of important traits across different species.