Gene Transfer, Horizontal

**Definition:** The naturally occurring transmission of genetic information between organisms, related or unrelated, circumventing parent-to-offspring transmission. Horizontal gene transfer may occur via a variety of naturally occurring processes such as GENETIC CONJUGATION; GENETIC TRANSDUCTION; and TRANSFECTION. It may result in a change of the recipient organism's genetic composition (TRANSFORMATION, GENETIC).

**Tree numbers:** - G05.728.390

**Synonyms:** - Horizontal Gene Transfer - Gene Transfer, Lateral - Lateral Gene Transfer