A plasmid is commonly found in bacteria and is a small ,circular, double stranded DNA molecule that is separate from a chromosomal DNA. A plasmid can replicate independently. It is possible for a bacterium to have more than one plasmid and it is not unlikely, during cell division, that the daughter cells will miss out on getting all the plasmids of the parent cell.

When compared to the normal chromosome, plasmids contain just a few genes. These genes are not vital for the mundane day-to-day cell functions, however, make a big difference to the bacterium's ability to survive stressful situations. For example, many plasmids contain genes that, when expressed, make the bacterium resistant to an antibiotic, or produce a toxin that kills other bacteria.

1) What is the process called by which genetic material is transferred directly from one bacterium to another? transduction conjugation transformation translocation

2) Describe the process by which genetic material is transferred from one bacterium to another.

3) Many people oppose genetic engineering because they say it is the unatural transfer of genes from one species to another. Argue against this using bacterial conjugation as an example.