Definition

Noun A small, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecule found in bacterial cells and some other organisms. It is physically separate from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.

Usage

Plasmid DNA is a key tool in molecular biology and genetic engineering. It is used to carry and introduce foreign genetic material into host cells.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The researchers inserted the gene of interest into a plasmid DNA vector.
  • Bacterial antibiotic resistance is often encoded on a piece of plasmid DNA.

Advanced Usage

• Plasmid DNA is often referred to simply as a plasmid in laboratory contexts.
  • The plasmid was purified using a standard kit.
• The term is used to distinguish the circular, extrachromosomal form from other types of DNA, such as genomic or mitochondrial DNA.

Variants and Related Words

• Plasmid (noun): The more common, shortened form of "plasmid DNA."
• Vector (noun): A DNA molecule, often a plasmid, used as a vehicle to artificially carry genetic material into another cell.

Synonyms

• Extrachromosomal DNA
• Circular DNA (when referring to its physical structure in this context)

Notes

Plasmid DNA is not typically associated with phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is almost exclusively technical and scientific.

Noun

1. a small cellular inclusion consisting of a ring of DNA that is not in a chromosome but is capable of autonomous replication