Final answer:
Genetic Plasticity refers to the organism's ability to adapt genetically, often seen in bacteria acquiring antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer methods like transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term referring to a high degree of genetic adaptability and the ability to acquire antibiotic resistance is Genetic Plasticity. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, have the remarkable ability to adapt to their environments and to acquire new traits, such as antibiotic resistance, through various forms of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This refers to the movement of genetic material between unicellular and/or multicellular organisms other than by the ('vertical') transmission of DNA from parent to offspring.
The mechanisms of HGT include transformation, where bacteria take up extracellular DNA; conjugation, which involves the transfer of plasmids through direct contact; and transduction, where bacteriophages transfer genetic material between bacteria.
The acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes is a significant medical concern as it can render standard treatments ineffective and lead to the spread of resistant infections. Genomics can be used to identify genes related to this resistance and to understand the mechanisms by which resistance spreads among bacterial populations, which is essential in the field of microbiology and for combatting antibiotic-resistant strains.