What critical role do plasmids often play in genetic engineering?

Plasmids play a crucial role in genetic engineering by serving as vectors for gene transfer. These small, circular pieces of DNA are capable of self-replication and can carry additional genes that can be introduced into other cells. By inserting desired genes into plasmids, scientists can facilitate the introduction of those genes into host cells, which can then express the desired traits or produce specific proteins.

This ability to manipulate plasmids is foundational in various biotechnological applications, such as cloning, gene therapy, and the production of genetically modified organisms. The use of plasmids allows for more efficient and targeted approaches to genetic engineering, making them invaluable tools in biotechnology research and applications.