Animation - Integration and Excision of a Plasmid

Is integration or independent existence of a plasmid better for the cell? For the plasmid?

Plasmids can exist independently of the chromosome or they can become integrated into the chromosome. In either case any genes on the plasmid will be expressed. Plasmids often contain genes that benefit the host cell. These genes are equally useful to the cell no matter where the plasmid is. In contrast, plasmids that are integrated into the chromosome can only be passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Integration into the chromosome disrupts conjugation so that only part of the plasmid is transferred. It is evolutionarily advantageous to the plasmid to remain independent.

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