WANI Dictionary

Horizontal gene transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (also called lateral gene transfer) is the transfer of genes by a mechanism other than reproduction.

HGT is a driving force of evolution along with natural selection and genetic drift.

Definitions in the literature

• Transfer of genes from one organism to another by a mechanism other than reproduction [1].
• Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the introduction of genetic material from one species to another species by mechanisms other than the vertical transmission from parent(s) to offspring [2].