What role do plasmids serve in genetic engineering?

Plasmids play a crucial role in genetic engineering primarily because they facilitate the transfer of genetic material. These small, circular pieces of DNA are found in bacteria and often carry additional genes that can provide advantages, such as antibiotic resistance. In genetic engineering, plasmids can be used as vectors to introduce new genes into a host organism.

When scientists want to modify an organism's genetic material, they can insert a gene of interest into a plasmid. This recombinant plasmid can then be introduced into a bacterial cell through a process known as transformation. Once inside the bacterial cell, the plasmid replicates independently of the bacterial chromosome, making it possible for the new gene to be expressed and passed on to daughter cells during cell division.

The versatility and ease of manipulation of plasmids make them a favorite tool in molecular biology for applications including cloning, gene expression, and the production of proteins.