Final answer:
Plasmids are extrachromosomal, circular DNA molecules in bacteria that can confer beneficial traits and are used for cloning in research.
Explanation:
DNA molecules in bacteria:
A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is extrachromosomal and can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are commonly found in bacteria and can carry genes that are beneficial to their host such as antibiotic resistance. In laboratory settings, they are utilized for cloning, which involves the insertion of foreign DNA into the plasmid to be introduced into bacteria for the purpose of replication and study.
A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is not part of the bacterial chromosomal DNA. It is found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, and can carry and transfer specific genes. Plasmids are commonly used in genetic engineering and bacterial transformation experiments to introduce foreign DNA into bacteria for further study or production of desired gene products.