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Horizontal gene transfer involves the exchange of genetic material between organisms not in a parent-offspring relationship. It is common among prokaryotes (single-celled organisms such as the bacteria Brevibacillus borstelensis and Massilia timonae). The process can have the effect of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics; as such, an understanding of how to prevent horizontal gene transfer might result in the mitigation of dangerous pathogens (organisms that cause disease).