1. A genetic element, such as a plasmid or temperate phage, that can replicate independently within a cell or integrate into the host chromosome.
Usage: biology; molecular genetics

Examples

• The episome carried antibiotic resistance genes that spread through the bacterial population.
• Scientists studied how the episome could exist both as an independent circular DNA and as an integrated part of the chromosome.
• The F plasmid is a well-known episome in Escherichia coli research.
• Episomes are useful tools in genetic engineering for introducing new traits into organisms.
• The episome replicated along with the host chromosome during cell division.