Plasmids are naturally occurring, double-stranded circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that can carry genes conferring antibiotic resistance, among other traits. They can be transferred between bacteria through processes like conjugation, transformation, and transduction, but they do not always integrate into the bacterial chromosome; they can exist independently within the bacterial cell.

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A Plasmid

Question 18

Multiple Choice

A plasmid

A) can confer antibiotic resistance to a bacterium.
B) is a single-stranded circular DNA molecule that can undergo horizontal transfer among bacteria.
C) is a tool designed in the lab and never found in naturally occurring bacteria.
D) always becomes part of the bacterial chromosome during transformation.

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