This document provides an overview of plasmids. It defines plasmids as small, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecules that can replicate independently in bacteria. Plasmids contain genes that provide benefits to bacteria like antibiotic resistance. They are transferred between bacteria through processes like transformation, transduction, and conjugation. Plasmids are classified based on their functions and are important tools in biotechnology as they allow cloning, protein production, and other applications.