(a) Most of the DNA in bacteria, unlike the DNA in eukaryotic cells, is coding information. There is relatively little DNA that is not serving some function. Thus, the movement of most transposons to...

(a) Most of the DNA in bacteria, unlike the DNA in eukaryotic cells, is coding information. There is relatively little DNA that is not serving some function. Thus, the movement of most transposons to a new location would inactivate one or more vital genes, causing cell death or weakening the cell so that it cannot compete with normal cells.   (b) Plasmids rarely are essential to their host cells, and therefore could tolerate the integration of transposable elements without interfering with vital gene functions.