What is the distinction between F' plasmid and R plasmid?

Question

Is there a difference between an F' plasmid that has taken up a chromosomal gene that conveys antibiotic resistance, and an R plasmid? Is a bacterium containing an R plasmid and yet lacking an F+ plasmid capable of horizontal gene transfer by conjugation?

Answer 1

Both F' plasmids and R plasmids are small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria, but they serve different purposes.

An F' plasmid is related to bacterial conjugation, which is the process where bacteria transfer genetic material directly to one another. The F' plasmid forms when an F plasmid accidentally picks up pieces of bacterial chromosomal DNA. As a result, it can transfer both plasmid genes and some bacterial genes to another cell.

An R plasmid, on the other hand, mainly carries antibiotic resistance genes. These plasmids help bacteria survive exposure to antibiotics and are one major reason antibiotic resistance can spread quickly between bacteria.

Sometimes an F plasmid may also carry antibiotic resistance genes, which can make the distinction seem confusing. However, the key difference is:

1) F' plasmids are mainly associated with conjugation and gene transfer

2) R plasmids are mainly associated with antibiotic resistance

So in summary: F' plasmids help bacteria “share genes,” while R plasmids help bacteria “survive antibiotics.”