The Biology of PlasmidsISBN: 978-0-632-03436-9
Paperback
172 pages
March 1996, Wiley-Blackwell
Other Available Formats: E-book
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Plasmids are closed, circular pieces of DNA that are able to
self-replicate and are carried by many bacteria. They provide
unique functions for bacteria by allowing them to sexually
replicate and to pass on genetic material between each other.
Plasmids are also responsible for the genetic factors that give
resistance to antibiotics, and provide the enzymes needed to break
down poorly metabolised food resources. The author has provided an
updated treatment of the structure, function and application of
plasmids suitable for undergraduates and medical students.
Employing an original teaching perspective--examining plasmids as
living organisms with either a symbiotic or parasitic mode of
survival--this text provides an important framework for
understanding the structure and function of plasmids in an
evolutionary context.
- The most up to date text on plasmids
- An innovative teaching perspective makes for easy student understanding
- Contains crucial chapters on the importance of plasmids for clinical and biological research