Phenomena and Processes

Horizontal Gene Transfer

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).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

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).

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

9 entry terms
  • Gene Transfer, Horizontal
  • Gene Transfer, Lateral
  • Lateral Gene Transfer
  • Gene Transfers, Lateral
  • Lateral Gene Transfers
  • Recombination, Interspecies
  • Recombination, Interspecific
  • Interspecies Recombination
  • Interspecific Recombination

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

6 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, ethics, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

note category: do not confuse with GENE TRANSFER TECHNIQUES

MeSH Record

History Note

2001

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Horizontal Gene Transfer. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D022761. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D022761
  2. Horizontal Gene Transfer. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizontal_gene_transfer
  3. Horizontal Gene Transfer. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83185