What is another word for horizontal gene transfer?
Pronunciation: [hˌɒɹɪzˈɒntə͡l d͡ʒˈiːn tɹˈansfɜː] (IPA) 
Horizontal gene transfer is the exchange of genetic material between different organisms that are not related through direct parent-offspring lineage. There are several synonyms for this process, which include lateral gene transfer, genetic transformation, genetic transduction, and gene abduction. In lateral gene transfer, genetic material is passed from one organism to another through direct cell-to-cell contact, whereas genetic transformation involves the uptake of DNA by a recipient cell from the environment. Genetic transduction is the transfer of genetic material by a virus, and gene abduction involves a parasitic organism acquiring genes from its host. Regardless of the terminology used, horizontal gene transfer is a key mechanism that allows for the rapid spread of genes across different species.
