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Related Concept Videos

Plasmids01:28

Plasmids

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach
12:32

Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach

Published on: December 14, 2019

Plasmid analysis.

A P Johnson1, N Woodford

  • 1Antibiotic Reference Unit, Laboratory of Hospital Infection, Central Public Health Laboratory, London, UK.

Methods in Molecular Medicine
|March 11, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacterial plasmids are circular DNA molecules that replicate independently. Some plasmids carry genes for traits like antibiotic resistance and can transfer themselves or be mobilized by other plasmids.

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Bacterial plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules.
  • They exist as covalently-closed circular (CCC) structures.
  • Plasmids can replicate autonomously within bacterial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the characteristics and functions of bacterial plasmids.
  • To explain plasmid replication and gene transfer mechanisms.
  • To differentiate between self-transferable and mobilized plasmids.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on bacterial plasmids.
  • Analysis of genetic elements (e.g., tra genes) involved in plasmid transfer.
  • Categorization of plasmids based on their transfer capabilities.

Main Results:

  • Plasmids can confer various phenotypes, including antibiotic resistance and virulence.
  • Some plasmids are 'cryptic' with no discernible phenotype.
  • Self-transferable (conjugative) plasmids possess tra genes for transfer.
  • Mobilized plasmids lack self-transfer ability but utilize conjugative plasmids for propagation.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial plasmids are diverse genetic elements with significant roles in bacterial adaptation and evolution.
  • Understanding plasmid transfer mechanisms is crucial for fields like medicine and biotechnology.
  • Plasmids can be classified based on their ability to transfer genetic material autonomously or via mobilization.