PLASMID Meaning and
Definition
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A plasmid is a small, typically circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is separate from the chromosomal DNA in a cell. It is found predominantly in bacteria, but can also be found in some yeast cells and other microorganisms. Plasmids are considered to be extrachromosomal elements that exist independently from the cell's genetic material.
Plasmids are quite diverse in nature and can vary in size from a few thousand to several hundred thousand base pairs. They often carry genes that provide the host cell with additional advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to metabolize specific substances. These genetic elements can replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA and can be transferred between cells, including different species, through a process known as horizontal gene transfer.
In research and biotechnology, plasmids are extensively used as vectors to introduce foreign DNA into host cells for various purposes, such as cloning genes, producing proteins, or creating genetically modified organisms. Their small size, ease of manipulation, and ability to replicate in host cells make them valuable tools in molecular biology. Furthermore, plasmids can be engineered to contain specific genetic elements, such as promoter regions or markers, to facilitate the identification and selection of cells that have successfully taken up the plasmid.
Overall, plasmids play a crucial role in bacterial genetics, biotechnology, and genetic engineering, serving as a means of genetic exchange and manipulation.
Common Misspellings for PLASMID
Etymology of PLASMID
The word "plasmid" originated from the German word "Plasmid" which was coined by geneticist and microbiologist Joshua Lederberg in 1952. Lederberg derived the term from the Greek word "plasma", meaning form or mold. In microbiology, a plasmid refers to a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is separate from the chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently within a bacterial or archaeal cell. The term "plasmid" was chosen to reflect the idea of a small, self-contained form or entity within a larger organism.
Similar spelling words for PLASMID
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