What is the name of the organism from which genetic material is transferred?

The correct term for the organism from which genetic material is transferred is "donor." In the context of genetic transfer, the donor organism provides its genetic material to another organism, which is typically referred to as the recipient. This process is fundamental in many biological applications, including genetic engineering and biotechnology, where specific genes are introduced into recipient organisms to achieve desired traits or characteristics.

Other terms in this context can be confusing. For instance, a "recipient" refers to the organism that receives the genetic material, while a "host" often refers to an organism that supports the life cycle of a parasite or symbiotic organism, but does not specifically denote the role of supplying genetic material. "Fossil" refers to the preserved remains of ancient organisms and does not relate to the concept of genetic transfer. Understanding these roles helps clarify the dynamics of genetic exchange in biological systems.