Which of the following is NOT true of transposons?

Transposons, or jumping genes, are segments of DNA that can move within the genome, which allows them to insert themselves into different locations. This movement can contribute to genetic rearrangement and diversity within an organism's genome. While they can carry important traits, including antibiotic resistance genes that facilitate survival in challenging environments, they are not always found as part of plasmids.

Plasmids are independent, circular DNA molecules found in many bacteria, but transposons can exist as standalone elements within the chromosomes as well. Their ability to jump from one location to another can occur in both chromosomal DNA and plasmids, but they do not require plasmids for their existence or function. Therefore, the assertion that transposons are always part of plasmids is incorrect.