R-plasmid

An R-plasmid is a small piece of DNA found in bacteria that carries genes giving the bacteria resistance to antibiotics. These plasmids can be transferred from one bacterium to another, often through a process called conjugation, allowing resistance traits to spread quickly. This makes infections harder to treat with antibiotics, posing a challenge for healthcare. Essentially, R-plasmids act as genetic packages that help bacteria survive antibiotic attacks, contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.