Genome map of Escherichia coli bacteria, computer artwork. This map was created by rendering all the DNA strands that make up the bacteria's genome into a planet-like sphere. Bacteria, such as E. coli, are known to obtain genetic material from other organisms. This process is known as horizontal gene transfer. The light-coloured, crater-like regions on the map represent genes not obtained by usual inheritance. This map is one of a series of 'genomic planets' created by German biologist Thomas Fester.