Domänväxling

Domänväxling, often translated as domain switching or domain shift, refers to the process where an organism or cell changes its affiliation from one domain of life to another. This is a theoretical concept, as the generally accepted scientific understanding is that the three domains of life – Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya – represent distinct evolutionary lineages that diverged early in the history of life. There is no evidence to suggest that organisms can transition between these fundamental domains after their initial divergence.

The concept might arise in discussions about horizontal gene transfer, where genetic material moves between organisms in ways not directly related to reproduction. However, even extensive horizontal gene transfer does not equate to a full domain shift. It allows for the exchange of traits and adaptations but does not alter the organism's fundamental classification within its domain.

Another context where the idea might appear is in speculative discussions about the early evolution of life, where the lines between nascent domains may have been less defined. However, current biological evidence supports a tree-like structure of evolution with clear branching points for the three domains. Therefore, in the context of modern biology, domänväxling is not considered a real biological phenomenon.