What term refers to the process through which bacteria can acquire genes from other bacteria?

The process through which bacteria acquire genes from other bacteria is known as horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows for the sharing of genetic material between bacteria, even across different species, which can lead to increased genetic diversity and the acquisition of beneficial traits, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to metabolize new substrates. Horizontal gene transfer can occur through various methods, including transformation, transduction, and conjugation, which highlight the versatile nature of bacterial genetic exchange.

Binary fission, cell division, and conjugation also play roles in bacterial reproduction and gene transfer, but they do not encapsulate the broader concept of acquiring genes from different organisms as effectively as horizontal gene transfer does. Binary fission refers specifically to the method by which bacteria reproduce asexually by splitting into two identical cells. Cell division is a more general term that describes the process of a cell dividing into daughter cells, which isn't unique to bacteria. Conjugation is a specific type of horizontal gene transfer where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact, but it is just one method within the broader category of horizontal gene transfer.