Plasmids: An Overview
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Time to read 1 min
Learn what plasmids are.
Learn about the two main genetic elements that every plasmid need.
Learn about the different types of plasmids
Learn how the plasmid host impacts its architecture.
Introduction to Plasmids
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that replicate independently of the main bacterial chromosome. They are not essential for the basic survival of the cell, but they often carry genes that provide selective advantages, such as resistance to antibiotics or the ability to metabolize unusual compounds. Because of this, plasmids play an important role in bacterial adaptation and evolution.
In biotechnology, plasmids have become indispensable tools. Scientists can engineer them to introduce new genes into host cells, study gene function, or produce valuable proteins. The versatility of plasmids comes from their modular structure, which typically includes:
- an origin of replication
- selectable markers
- regions that can accept gene inserts.
Different types of plasmids are designed for different purposes, ranging from simple cloning to complex protein expression systems.
This overview introduces the key features of plasmids, including their types, origins of replication, selectable markers, and host organisms, with links to in-depth articles that explore each topic in detail.
