What is horizontal gene transfer?

Horizontal gene transfer refers to the movement of genetic material between organisms in ways other than traditional reproduction, which typically involves the transfer from parent to offspring. This process can occur between different species and is a common mechanism for the exchange of genetic traits. It often enhances genetic diversity and can include various mechanisms such as transformation, transduction, and conjugation.

This type of gene transfer plays a crucial role in microbial evolution, enabling traits like antibiotic resistance to spread rapidly through populations, significantly affecting public health and treatment strategies. The other options describe processes that pertain to vertical inheritance of traits, changes within a single organism, or specific actions involving DNA integration, but they do not encompass the broad concept that horizontal gene transfer illustrates.