Question

Do plasmids carry essential genes?

Answer 1

Plasmids:

1. Plasmids are the small extrachromosomal molecule of DNA that can replicate independently.
2. They are used in recombinant DNA technology.
3. They carry genes that aren't required for a bacterium's survival on a daily basis.
4. They do, however, contain genes that can assist the bacterium in dealing with stressful situations.
5. Many plasmids, for example, contain genes that make the host immune to various antibiotics.