noun
- Plural of episome; genetic elements (such as plasmids) that can exist independently in a cell or be integrated into a chromosome.
Usage: technical; biology; genetics
Examples
- Bacteria often carry episomes that confer antibiotic resistance.
- The episomes in this strain can replicate autonomously or integrate into the main chromosome.
- Scientists studied how episomes are transferred between bacterial cells.
- These episomes contain genes that enhance the organism's survival in harsh environments.