Horizontal gene transfer refers to the transfer of genetic material through a mechanism other than reproduction. This mechanism is a common source of new genes in prokaryotes, sometimes thought to contribute more to genetic variation than gene duplication. It is a common means of spreading antibiotic resistance, virulence, and adaptive metabolic functions. Although horizontal gene transfer is rare in eukaryotes, likely examples have been identified of protist and alga genomes containing genes of bacterial origin. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the  transfer of genetic material through a mechanism other than reproduction known as? ANS1 Horizontal gene transfer QSN2 In what type of organism is horizontal gene transfer a common source of new genes? ANS2 prokaryotes QSN3 What is one trait that horizontal gene transfer is a common means of spreading? ANS3 antibiotic resistance QSN4 In what type of organism is horizontal gene transfer rare? ANS4 eukaryotes QSN5 What is one example of horizontal gene transfer in eukaryotes? ANS5 alga genomes containing genes of bacterial origin