Plasmid

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-021207",
  "term": "Plasmid",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A circular piece of DNA that exists apart from the chromosome and replicates independently of it. Bacterial plasmids carry information that renders the bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Plasmids are often used in genetic engineering to carry desired genes into organisms.\n\n2. Double-strand, closed DNA molecules found in cytoplasm of a variety of bacterial species that generally confer some evolutionary advantage to the host cells.\n\n3. An extrachromosomal ring of DNA that replicates autonomously and is found especially in bacteria.\n\n4. A plasmid is a small, often circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and other cells. Plasmids are separate from the bacterial chromosome and replicate independently of it. They generally carry only a small number of genes, notably some associated with antibiotic resistance. Plasmids may be passed between different bacterial cells.\n\n5. an autonomous (self-replicating) circular piece of DNA found outside the chromosome in bacteria. Plasmids carry information that give the bacteria resistance to antibiotics. They are often used in genetic engineering as cloning vectors to carry desired genes into organisms.",
  "subject": "General environmental",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Environment",
    "NIH Genetics Home Reference Glossary",
    "NOAA Coral Reef Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/plasmid/"
}