What term refers to accessory rings of DNA that can be used as vectors to carry foreign genes into bacteria during genetic engineering?

What term refers to accessory rings of DNA that can be used as vectors to carry foreign genes into bacteria during genetic engineering?

• A. Capsule
• B. Plasmids
• C. Pili
• D. Endospore

Answer: (B)

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules in bacteria that can carry foreign genes and function as cloning vectors. Their independent replication and ability to be engineered to include key features like an origin of replication and selectable markers make them ideal for introducing and propagating foreign DNA in bacterial cells. This allows scientists to clone genes, express recombinant proteins, or study gene function in bacteria. Capsules are protective outer layers and not DNA carriers. Pili are hair-like structures involved in attachment and sometimes DNA transfer between cells, but they are not used as standard cloning vectors. Endospores are dormant, resilient forms and do not serve as vectors for gene delivery.

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules in bacteria that can carry foreign genes and function as cloning vectors. Their independent replication and ability to be engineered to include key features like an origin of replication and selectable markers make them ideal for introducing and propagating foreign DNA in bacterial cells. This allows scientists to clone genes, express recombinant proteins, or study gene function in bacteria.

Capsules are protective outer layers and not DNA carriers. Pili are hair-like structures involved in attachment and sometimes DNA transfer between cells, but they are not used as standard cloning vectors. Endospores are dormant, resilient forms and do not serve as vectors for gene delivery.