What is the main function of plasmids in bacteria?

What is the main function of plasmids in bacteria?

• A. To assist in nutrient absorption
• B. To provide resistance to antibiotics
• C. To support bacterial growth
• D. To facilitate reproduction

Answer: (B)

Bacterial plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that exist independently of the chromosomal DNA within a bacterial cell. Their primary function often revolves around providing bacteria with genetic advantages, such as the ability to resist antibiotics. When a bacterium harboring plasmids encounters an antibiotic, the genes contained within the plasmids can code for proteins that neutralize the antibiotic or alter the target site so that the drug can no longer exert its effects. This mechanism of resistance allows bacteria to survive in environments where antibiotics are present, which is crucial for their survival and proliferation in competitive and hostile environments. While plasmids can sometimes carry genes that assist in processes like nutrient absorption or support bacterial growth, those functions are secondary to their role in conferring antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, plasmids are not directly involved in the reproduction of bacteria; rather, bacterial reproduction occurs through binary fission. However, note that plasmids can be transferred between bacteria through processes such as conjugation, which contributes to the spread of traits like antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.

Bacterial plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that exist independently of the chromosomal DNA within a bacterial cell. Their primary function often revolves around providing bacteria with genetic advantages, such as the ability to resist antibiotics.

When a bacterium harboring plasmids encounters an antibiotic, the genes contained within the plasmids can code for proteins that neutralize the antibiotic or alter the target site so that the drug can no longer exert its effects. This mechanism of resistance allows bacteria to survive in environments where antibiotics are present, which is crucial for their survival and proliferation in competitive and hostile environments.

While plasmids can sometimes carry genes that assist in processes like nutrient absorption or support bacterial growth, those functions are secondary to their role in conferring antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, plasmids are not directly involved in the reproduction of bacteria; rather, bacterial reproduction occurs through binary fission. However, note that plasmids can be transferred between bacteria through processes such as conjugation, which contributes to the spread of traits like antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations.