1. Small, circular loops of DNA found in bacteria and some other organisms, separate from the main chromosome and capable of independent replication.
Usage: biology; plural form of plasmid; commonly used in genetic engineering and molecular biology

Examples

• Scientists use plasmids to insert new genes into bacteria for genetic engineering experiments.
• Plasmids often carry genes that provide antibiotic resistance to bacteria.
• The researcher isolated plasmids from the bacterial cells to study their structure.
• Plasmids are valuable tools in biotechnology for producing insulin and other proteins.
• Many plasmids contain markers that help scientists identify successfully transformed cells.
• The plasmids replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome during cell division.