Correct option is C
The function of plasmid DNA is to confer certain unique phenotypic characteristics to bacteria. Therefore, the correct answer is statement (c).
Plasmids are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are separate from the bacterial chromosome. They are present in many types of bacteria, and they can carry genetic information that is not essential for bacterial survival but can confer certain advantageous traits to the bacterium. These advantageous traits may include antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, metabolic pathways, and other useful properties.
Plasmids are also important tools in genetic engineering as they can be easily manipulated and transferred between different bacterial strains. This allows scientists to introduce specific genes or traits into bacteria and study their effects.