A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.
π§¬Plasmids almost always carry one or more genes. Often, the genes carried in plasmids provide bacteria with genetic advantages, such as antibiotic resistance.
π§¬Plasmids almost always carry one or more genes. Often, the genes carried in plasmids provide bacteria with genetic advantages, such as antibiotic resistance.
π§¬Plasmids naturally exist in bacteria; however, they are sometimes present in archaea and eukaryotic organisms.
β’ Most plasmids possess at least one DNA sequence that can act as an origin of replication.
β’ Most plasmids possess at least one DNA sequence that can act as an origin of replication.
They can multiply within the cell independently of the main bacterial chromosome.
_Bacteria can also transfer plasmids to one another through a process called conjugation.
_Bacteria can also transfer plasmids to one another through a process called conjugation.
The copy number refers to the number of molecules of an individual plasmid that are normally found in a single bacterial cell.
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