Question

All of the following statements are true of plasmids except

A) they can be found in bacteria, fungi and protozoa
B) they are small circular molecules of DNA
C) they can carry genes that confer resistance against antibiotics
D) they can replicate autonomously
E) they carry genes that are required for growth and repair

Answer 1

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA in bacteria that can carry multiple antibiotic resistance genes but are not required for growth and repair. They are key in spreading resistance and are used in biotechnology.

Step-by-step explanation:

All of the following statements are true of plasmids except that they carry genes that are required for growth and repair. Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements found in bacteria that can carry genes conferring resistance to antibiotics.

While plasmids can be beneficial to a bacterial host in certain circumstances like antibiotic resistance, they are not essential for the basic life processes such as growth and repair, which are directed by the bacterial chromosome.

Plasmids can independently replicate and can be transferred to other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, often carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes. This allows the rapid spread of resistance traits through bacterial populations. Plasmids are also widely used in genetic engineering and biotechnology as vectors for molecular cloning.