Plasmids are small circular double or singe stranded DNA molecules that are distinct from the main chromosomal DNA. They are used in genetic engineering as vectors for replication of foreign DNA or proteins using bacteria as a host organism. The DNA strand is integrated into the plasmid DNA to form a recombinant plasmid that is then transformed into the host.
Plasmids are ideal vectors because of the following characteristics:
Archaean cell wall don't have peptidoglycan, yet they may have <em>, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, or protein-based cell dividers </em>
Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan (likewise called murein), which is produced using polysaccharide chains cross-connected by abnormal peptides containing D-amino acids
