Small circular DNA molecules in bacteria that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance.
Plasmids replicate independently, ranging from 1 to hundreds of kilobases. R plasmids carry resistance genes, F plasmids encode conjugation. They are used as cloning vectors.
Plasmids can carry virulence, metabolism and resistance genes. Incompatibility groups prevent coexistence of related plasmids. Cells may carry several.
Example: the Ti plasmid in Agrobacterium causes crown gall.
Small circular DNA molecules in bacteria that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance.
Plasmids is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Conjugation, Bacteria, Horizontal Resistance Spread.
Ampicillin resistance on pUC plasmids is used as a selectable marker.
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Plasmids. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Plasmids are Conjugation, Bacteria, Horizontal Resistance Spread, Pathogens. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Plasmids. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
Plasmids: Small circular DNA molecules in bacteria that often carry genes for antibiotic resistance. Conjugation: Direct transfer of DNA, such as a plasmid, between bacterial cells through a pilus. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Conjugation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Direct transfer of DNA, such as a plasmid, between bacterial cells through a pilus.
🦠 MicrobiologySingle-celled prokaryotes found everywhere, vital for nutrient cycling, digestion and some disease.
🦠 MicrobiologyMobile genetic elements such as integrons and transposons rapidly distribute resistance across species.
🦠 MicrobiologyDisease-causing microorganisms, including some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
🦠 Microbiology