Final answer:
The statement is False. Genes on plasmids are not always essential for bacterial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is False. Genes on plasmids are not always essential for bacterial growth. Plasmids are extra-chromosomal genetic elements that may contain one or a few genes that are not essential for normal growth. These genes may provide bacteria with new genes that are beneficial for growth and survival under special conditions, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to cause disease. Plasmids are also used in genetic engineering and biotechnology to move genes from one cell to another.