Question

Do plasmids have an importance beyond the practice of genetic engineering? Give examples and explain.

Answer 1

Plasmids are the extrachromosomal, circular DNA found in the cytoplasm of the bacteria. These plasmids have different genes which are beneficial to bacteria.  

For example:

Plasmids contains antibiotic resistance genes, these genes helps to protect the bacteria from the effect of antibiotics.

* some bacteria have nitrogen fixing genes in plasmids.

* Plasmids have genes for degradatiion of salicylic acid and toluene.

*Some plasmids have col genes which allow organism to kill other bacteriabacteria and synthesise bacteriocin protein.

* it also helps in exchanging gene between two bacteria by men's of conjugation bridge.