Which statement about plasmids and horizontal gene transfer is accurate?

Which statement about plasmids and horizontal gene transfer is accurate?

• A. Plasmids often carry accessory genes enabling horizontal transfer between bacteria.
• B. Chromosomes routinely transfer genes between bacteria via plasmids.
• C. Plasmids are always essential for survival and cannot transfer between cells.
• D. Horizontal transfer only occurs through viruses.

Answer: (A)