What is the significance of the origin of replication (ori) in a bacterial plasmid?

• A. It determines the plasmid’s ability to conjugate with other bacterial cells.
• B. It is the sequence where the plasmid can integrate into the bacterial chromosome.
• C. It is necessary for the plasmid to replicate independently of the host genome.
• D. It is the site where antibiotic resistance genes are located.

Answer: (C)