Plasmid theory

Plasmid theory describes how small, circular DNA molecules called plasmids exist within bacteria, separate from their main chromosome. These plasmids can carry genes that provide advantages, such as antibiotic resistance or new metabolic abilities. Bacteria can share these plasmids with each other through a process called conjugation, effectively exchanging genetic material. This transfer helps bacteria adapt quickly to changing environments. Understanding plasmids is important in microbiology because they play a key role in the spread of traits like drug resistance among bacterial populations.