A Plasmid May

Question

A plasmid may
A) replicate independently of the chromosome.
B) be transferred cell-to-cell during conjugation.
C) be integrated into the chromosome.
D) replicate independently of the chromosome, integrate into the chromosome, or be transferred cell-to-cell during conjugation.

Accepted Answer

Plasmids are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that can exist independently of a host chromosome. They can replicate independently of the chromosome, which allows for increased copies of plasmids in the cell. Plasmids can also integrate into the host chromosome, which can lead to the spread of genes throughout a population. Furthermore, plasmids can be transferred cell-to-cell during conjugation, which allows for horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, D is the best choice, as all three options (replication independently, integration, and transfer during conjugation) are possible for plasmids.