What kind of transfer is occurring when two bacterial cells, which are not decedents of one another, exchange genetic information?

• A. Perpendicular gene transfer.
• B. Vertical gene transfer.
• C. Direct gene transfer.
• D. Horizontal gene transfer.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of gene transfer in bacteria. Gene transfer is the movement of genetic information between organisms, and it can occur in several ways.
2. Differentiate between vertical and horizontal gene transfer. Vertical gene transfer occurs when genetic information is passed from parent to offspring, while horizontal gene transfer involves the exchange of genetic material between organisms that are not parent and offspring.
3. Recognize the types of horizontal gene transfer: transformation, transduction, and conjugation. These processes allow bacteria to acquire new genetic traits from other bacteria or the environment.
4. Identify the scenario described in the problem: two bacterial cells exchanging genetic information without being descendants of one another. This aligns with the definition of horizontal gene transfer.
5. Conclude that the correct type of gene transfer occurring in this scenario is horizontal gene transfer, as it involves the exchange of genetic material between non-related bacterial cells.