A plasmid is a type of double-stranded, circular, tiny DNA molecule that differs from a cell's chromosomal DNA.
Both bacterial and certain eukaryotic cells naturally contain plasmids.
Plasmids frequently carry genes that give bacteria genetic advantages like antibiotic resistance.
One of the methods most frequently employed in molecular biology research is plasmid cloning. It is a vital component of genetic, protein, and metabolic engineering and is used to research the structure, operation, and evolution of genes.
Some properties of cloning plasmids are:
Simple to transfer from one cell to another
Since they are small, it is simple to manipulate them once separated.
Easy to recognize and choose
It is simple to isolate from the host organism.
Cloned DNA can be inserted due to the clustered restriction sites.
Large amounts of DNA can be obtained by making several copies.