Any extrachromosomal replicating unit or hereditary determinant, also called paragene.

Any extrachromosomal hereditary determinant. Plasmids are self-replicating circular molecules of DNA that are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal, and plant species.

Circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotes.

Independent circles of DNA, used by some bacteria to spread antibiotic resistance genes and by biologists to insert foreign genes into cells.

A circular, self-replicating form of DNA found in many species of bacteria. Plasmids can sometimes be used as a vector to transfer recombinant genes into another species.

Self-replicating, circular DNA molecules found in bacterial cells; often used as vectors in recombinant DNA technology. Small circles of double-stranded DNA found in some bacteria. Plasmids can carry from four to 20 genes. Plasmids are a commonly used vector in recombinant DNA studies. PICTURE

the rings of DNA in bacteria.

Extrachromosomal, usually CIRCULAR DNA molecules that are self-replicating and transferable from one organsim to another. They are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal, and plant species. They are used in GENETIC ENGINEERING as CLONING VECTORS.

Novick RP, Clowes RC, Cohen SN, Curtiss R 3rd, Datta N, Falkow S. Uniform nomenclature for bacterial plasmids: a proposal. Bacteriol Rev. 1976;40(1):168-189.

non-chromosomal pieces of DNA that code for a sub-set of cellular functions.

A structure composed of DNA that is separate from the cell's genome. In bacteria, plasmids confer a variety of traits and can be exchanged between individuals - even those of different species. Plasmids can be manipulated in the laboratory to deliver specific genetic sequences into a cell. Source : PhRMA Genomics