Plasmid is small in size, circular in shape and it is a piece of DNA that is not the same as chromosomal DNA. Its ability to replicate is independent of chromosomal DNA. They are usually found in bacteria, but they are also present in multicellular organisms. Learn more about importance and different types of Plasmid.
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Characteristics and Functions of Plasmids
The Characteristics of a Plasmid are as follows:
- Plasmids almost always carry at least one gene
- Plasmids can also provide bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen.
- Plasmids may be present in an individual cell in varying number, ranging from one to several hundreds.
- Larger plasmids tend to have lower copy numbers.
- There are some plasmids in which no effect is observed on the host phenotype. Such types are called cryptic plasmids
Plasmid – Functions
Plasmids have various functions and the list is given below.
- They carry at least 1 gene, and most of the genes are helpful to their host organisms.
- They increase the survival of the organism
- Facilitate the process of replication.
Why is Plasmid Important?
They are important for the role they play in technological breakthroughs.
- They have played a stellar role in the development of molecular biotechnology.
- They act as vehicles to introduce foreign DNA into bacteria.
- The DNA they deliver have genes for antibiotic resistance.
- It is a therapeutic platform for treating infectious, genetic and acquired diseases.
Who Discovered Plasmids?
The word Plasmid was first coined by Joshua Lederberg in 1952. The term was first described in a research paper he published describing the experiments carried out by himself and his student Norton Zinder. The experiment was conducted on salmonella bacteria and its virus P22.
Which are the Types of Plasmids?
5 types of plasmids are given below.
- Resistance Plasmids
- Virulence Plasmids
- Degradative Plasmids
- Col Plasmids
- Fertility F Plasmids
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