English Language · English
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole? Horizontal gene transfer occurs when an organism of one species acquires genetic material from an organism of another species through nonreproductive means. The genetic material can then be transferred 'vertically' in the second species—that is, through reproductive inheritance. Scientist Atma Ivancevic and her team have hypothesized infection by invertebrate parasites as a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer between vertebrate species: while feeding, a parasite could acquire a gene from one host, then relocate to a host from a different vertebrate species and transfer the gene to it in turn.
Verified Solution4 OptionsUpdated: October 2026👁️1 View
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- 1It describes a means by which horizontal gene transfer might occur among vertebrates.✓
- 2It contrasts how horizontal gene transfer occurs among vertebrates with how it occurs among invertebrates.
- 3It clarifies why some genes are more likely to be transferred horizontally than others are.
- 4It explains why parasites are less susceptible to horizontal gene transfer than their hosts are.
Correct answer
It describes a means by which horizontal gene transfer might occur among vertebrates.
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