WANI Dictionary

Plasmid

A plasmid is an extrachromosomal DNA molecule that can replicate independently from the chromosome in a cell.

Plasmids are commonly found in bacteria and generally carry genes beneficial to the host (e.g., antibiotic resistant genes). Plasmids are often used as a vector in molecular biology.

Definitions in the literature

• A structure in bacterial cells consisting of DNA that can exist and replicate independently of the chromosome. Plasmids provide genetic instructions for certain cell activities (e.g. resistance to antibiotic drugs) [1].