As the genomic sequences of viruses, fungi, and bacteria become ... and they can be part of a chromosome or found on separate plasmids. These islands often contain genes required for the pathogen ...

Prof. Burstein explains, "Plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules classified as 'mobile genetic elements.' Like viruses, plasmids move from one cell to another, but unlike ...

Free DNA floats around, just waiting to be scooped up. Even viruses transfer DNA between bacteria. While the toxins important to plasmids do kill bacteria, their hosts can benefit from keeping ...