plasmid

(noun)

a circle of double-stranded DNA that is separate from the chromosomes, which is found in bacteria and protozoa

Related Terms

  • molecular cloning
  • telomere
  • nucleoid
  • recombinant DNA
  • osmotic pressure

Examples of plasmid in the following topics:

  • Molecular and Cellular Cloning

    • A plasmid (also called a vector) is a small circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the chromosomal DNA.
    • In cloning, the plasmid molecules can be used to provide a "folder" in which to insert a desired DNA fragment.
    • Plasmids are usually introduced into a bacterial host for proliferation.
    • An important feature of plasmid vectors is the ease with which a foreign DNA fragment can be introduced via the multiple cloning site (MCS).
    • Not all recombinant plasmids are capable of expressing genes.
  • Prokaryotic Reproduction

    • The DNA transferred can be in the form of a plasmid or as a hybrid, containing both plasmid and chromosomal DNA.
    • The DNA may remain separate as plasmid DNA or be incorporated into the host genome.
  • Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

    • In nature, the disease-causing A. tumefaciens have a set of plasmids, called the Ti plasmids (tumor-inducing plasmids), that contain genes for the production of tumors in plants.
    • DNA from the Ti plasmid integrates into the infected plant cell's genome.
    • Researchers manipulate the Ti plasmids to remove the tumor-causing genes and insert the desired DNA fragment for transfer into the plant genome.
    • The Ti plasmids carry antibiotic resistance genes to aid selection and can be propagated in E. coli cells as well.
  • Genomic DNA and Chromosomes

    • Some prokaryotes also have smaller loops of DNA called plasmids that are not essential for normal growth.
    • Bacteria can exchange these plasmids with other bacteria, sometimes receiving beneficial new genes that the recipient can add to their chromosomal DNA.
    • Antibiotic resistance is one trait that often spreads through a bacterial colony through plasmid exchange.
  • Genetic Engineering

    • Recombinant DNA technology, or DNA cloning, is the process of transferring a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element, such as a bacteria plasmid, which is called a vector.
  • The Lytic and Lysogenic Cycles of Bacteriophages

    • Their viral genome will integrate with host DNA and replicate along with it fairly harmlessly, or may even become established as a plasmid.
  • Characteristics of Eukaryotic DNA

    • In addition, prokaryotes have plasmids, which are smaller pieces of circular DNA that can replicate separately from prokaryotic genomic DNA.
  • Transcription in Prokaryotes

    • Additionally, prokaryotes often have abundant plasmids, which are shorter, circular DNA molecules that may only contain one or a few genes and often carry traits such as antibiotic resistance.
  • Biotechnology in Medicine

    • In 1978, Genentech joined a gene for insulin with a plasmid vector and put the resulting gene into a bacterium called Escherichia coli.
  • Basic Structures of Prokaryotic Cells

    • Plasmids, which consist of extra-chromosomal DNA, are also present in many species of bacteria and archaea.
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