It is a small, often circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and other cells. Plasmids are separate from the bacteria l chromosome and replicate independently of it.
Synonym: extrachromosomal element. See also: DNA, chromosome. User Contributions: 1  Plasmid (PLAZ mid) - a genetic structure that can replicate independently of the main chromosome(s) of a cell; usually, a circular DNA molecule in bacteria (prokaryotes). A linear or circular double-stranded DNA that is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA. Supplement. Certain plasmids are able to insert themselves into the chromosomes particularly in regions where there is a common sequence of nucleotides. A plasmid is a small DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from a chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. A plasmid may be present in an individual cell in varying number, ranging from one to several hundreds. The normal number of copies of plasmid that may be found in a single cell is called the copy number, and is determined by how the replication initiation is regulated and the size of the molecule. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Jump to: navigation, search ... Plasmid. A plasmid is a small, often circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and other cells. Plasmid s are separate from the bacteria l chromosome and replicate independently of it. They generally carry only a small number of genes, notably some associated with antibiotic resistance.  A plasmid is an independent, circular, self-replicating DNA molecule that carries only a few genes. The number of plasmids in a cell generally remains constant from generation to generation. Thus, this gives you the ability to introduce genes into a given organism by using bacteria to amplify the hybrid genes that are created in vitro. This tiny but mighty plasmid molecule is the basis of recombinant DNA technology. There are two categories of plasmids. Plasmids are important in certain bacteria since plasmids code for proteins, especially enzymes, which can confer resistance to antibiotics. Plasmids are ubiquitous in prokaryotes but they have also been found in a number of eukaryotes, e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which may contain a 2-micrometre-ring of plasmid. A linear or circular double-stranded DNA that is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA. Supplement. Certain plasmids are able to insert themselves into the chromosomes particularly in regions where there is a common sequence of nucleotides. Plasmid. Definition. noun, plural: plasmids. A linear or circular double-stranded DNA that is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA. Supplement. Certain plasmids are able to insert themselves into the chromosomes particularly in regions where there is a common sequence of nucleotides. They are most commonly found in bacteria as small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules; however, plasmids are sometimes present in archaea and eukaryotic organisms. In nature, plasmids often carry genes that may benefit the survival of the organism, for example antibiotic resistance. A plasmid may be present in an individual cell in varying number, ranging from one to several hundreds. The normal number of copies of plasmid that may be found in a single cell is called the copy number, and is determined by how the replication initiation is regulated and the size of the molecule. plasmid. n. 1. (Genetics) a small circle of bacterial DNA that is independent of the main bacterial chromosome. Plasmids often contain genes for drug resistances and can be transmitted between bacteria of the same and different species: used in genetic engineering. plas·mid. n. A circular, double-stranded unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are most often found in bacteria and are used in recombinant DNA research to transfer genes between cells. Plasmid vector. Definition. noun. Plasmid manipulated by genetic engineering to serve as a tool to produce the desired products in the target cell through a biomolecular process such by the expression of gene of interest. Supplement. See also: 1  plasmid. 2  vector. 
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