Plasmid
Most bacteria also contain
smaller places DNA that are not part of the
chromosome. These extra chromosomal circles of
DNA are called plasmids. Although certain
plasmids can integrate into the chromosome, most
plasmids remain autonomous in the cytoplasm. The
genes carried on plasmids specify different
traits from those on the chromosome, traits that
normally are not essential to the organism.
Gene on the
plasmids may encode information for such
advantageous traits as an increase in metabolic
options, resistance to antibiotics, or the
capacity to synthesize compounds toxic to
competing bacteria.
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