Plasmid

What is this?

Maybe it's because i'm tired and having working all day, but I need help on this.

What is the function and structure of the plasmid?

The same for the pili too..

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 1

chemicalguy

Circular DNA in a bacteria

carries genes for antibiotic resistance

Can be passed vertically or horizonatlly through conjuagtion

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 2

BioSam

Yeah, a plasmid is a circular DNA molecule that exists separately from the main bacterial chromosome. The function of a plasmid varies with different plasmids - antibiotic resistance, tolerance to environmental toxins, the ability to absorb a particular nutrient (e.g. fixing nitrogen), proteins for the destruction of other bacteria, etc.

The pilus is a tail-like feature found on some bacteria that is used to bring two bacteria in close contact for conjugation (conjugation is the process of plasmid exchange between bacteria).