Question

The transfer of genes by a mechanism not involving asexual reproduction is called:

a. meiosis

b. web of life

c. horizontal gene transfer

d. gene fusion

Short answer

Option : (c) horizontal gene transfer.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Sexual reproduction is defined as the fusing of two gametes, whereas asexual reproduction is defined as the reproduction that does not require the fusion of gametes.

Explanation to correct option

Horizontal gene transfer is the option (c). Horizontal gene transfer is the transfer of a gene from one organism to another without the use of gametes via an intermediary creature such as a virus or a connecting structure such as sex pili. As a result, option (c) is the right answer.

Explanation to incorrect options

Option (a) is offered as meiosis as an explanation for the erroneous response. Meiosis is a cell division process in which the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is reduced by half. It has nothing to do with the transmission of genes. As a result, choice (a) is clearly incorrect.

The term "web of life" is used to describe option (b). It's merely another name for the different activities that occur during an organism's life cycle, and it's not restricted to gene transfer. Option (b) is thus erroneous.

Gene fusion is the option (d). As a result, the term "fusion" is used to characterize the insertion or displacement of a homologous gene by another gene through recombination. Option (d) is thus erroneous.

Conclusion

Horizontal gene transfer, also known as conjugation, transduction, or transformation, is a method of transferring a gene from one creature to another.