Plasmid: Learn about plasmids

Learn about plasmids, small circular DNA molecules that carry genes and can transfer between bacteria. Discover the different types of plasmids, such as F, R, Col, and Virulence, and how they are used in cloning and biotechnology. A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and some other microscopic organisms. Learn how plasmids are separate from chromosomal DNA, have genes for antibiotic resistance, and are used by scientists for recombinant DNA methods. Plasmid are small, extra-chromosomal, circular, super-coiled, double stranded DNA molecule present in mostly all species of bacteria. A plasmid is a DNA molecule, other than the bacterial chromosomes that has the ability of replication and transmission independently. Daughter cells that retain a copy of the plasmid survive, while a daughter cell that fails to inherit the plasmid dies or suffers a reduced growth-rate because of the lingering poison from the parent cell.