T plasmid

The T plasmid is a small circle of DNA found in certain bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This plasmid carries genes that enable the bacteria to transfer part of its DNA into a plant's cells. When the bacteria infects a plant, it inserts the T plasmid DNA, causing the plant to produce carbohydrates that the bacteria can use, and sometimes forming a tumor. Scientists use this natural process to genetically modify plants by replacing or adding genes to the T plasmid, making it a useful tool for creating genetically engineered crops and studying gene functions.