Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that exist independently of the chromosomal DNA in bacteria. They often carry genes that provide a survival advantage to the organism, such as antibiotic resistance.
Related terms
Conjugation: This is a process where genetic material is transferred from one bacterial cell to another through direct contact. It's often how plasmids get shared among bacteria.
Antibiotic Resistance: This refers to the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic. It often occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs designed to cure or prevent infections.
Transformation: In biology, transformation is a type of genetic exchange where DNA fragments are taken up by a bacterium from its surrounding environment.