Question

Which of the following statement about plasmids is true?

• A. Plasmid DNA is like phage DNA and needs the bacterial genome for replication
• B. Each bacterial cell can have only one plasmid
• C. Conjugation is one of the natural process through which plasmids can be transferred from one bacteria to another
• D. All plasmids confer antibiotic resistance to the host bacteria

Answer 1

The correct option is C Conjugation is one of the natural process through which plasmids can be transferred from one bacteria to another

Plasmids are extrachromosomal circular DNA which are capable of self replication. A bacterial cell can contain numerous small and a few larger plasmids. Conjugation is one of the natural methods through which plasmids can be transferred from one bacteria to another via a conjugation bridge, the other two methods being transformation and transduction. All plasmids do not confer antibiotic resistance.