Why is it significant that many antibiotic resistance genes

Why is it significant that many antibiotic resistance genes are found on the loops of DNA (mini-chromosomes) called plasmids?

1. Plasmids can be passed among cells—allowing rapid spread, even between species of bacteria.

2. Antibiotic resistance genes aren’t found on the main bacterial chromosome.

3. Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes are produced naturally, often by soil-dwelling bacteria.

4. Point mutations that confer resistance to a drug can’t occur unless that drug is in the environment.

Solution

1. Plasmids can be passed among cells—allowing rapid spread, even between species of bacteria.

Plasmids are the extra DNA carried by bacteria; they are transferred to other cells during the process of conjugation. It is advantageous for the bacteria to carry bacterial resistance genes on plasmids because they can be transferred from one bacteria to the other and can be transferred even between species.