| Abstract: | In addition to chromosomal DNA carrying the genetic information of the cell, many bacterial cells contain smaller circular DNA factors known as plasmids or episomes. These genetic elements endow the cell with additional biochemical capabilities. The fertility factors (F and F′), the antibiotic resistance factors (R), the colicinogenic factors (Col), the hemolytic factors (Hly), and other extrachromosomal DNA systems are described. These small DNA molecules can be isolated, and are therefore particularly suitable for the investigation of DNA replication and the stable establishment of genetic material in the bacterial cell. |
