plasmid
[ plaz-mid ]
/ ˈplæz mɪd /
noun Microbiology.
a segment of DNA independent of the chromosomes and capable of replication, occurring in bacteria and yeast: used in recombinant DNA procedures to transfer genetic material from one cell to another.
Words nearby plasmid
British Dictionary definitions for plasmid
plasmid
/ (ˈplæzmɪd) /
noun
a small circle of bacterial DNA that is independent of the main bacterial chromosome. Plasmids often contain genes for drug resistances and can be transmitted between bacteria of the same and different species: used in genetic engineering
Word Origin for plasmid
C20: from
plasm +
-id
1
Medical definitions for plasmid
plasmid
[ plăz′mĭd ]
n.
A circular, double-stranded unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA and is most often found in bacteria; it is used in recombinant DNA research to transfer genes between cells.
extrachromosomal element
Scientific definitions for plasmid
plasmid
[ plăz′mĭd ]
A small, circular unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA and is most often found in bacteria. Certain plasmids can insert themselves into chromosomes in places where there is a common sequence of nucleotides. Plasmids contain a few genes, which usually code for proteins, especially enzymes, some of which confer resistance to antibiotics. Plasmids are used in recombinant DNA research, especially to transform bacterial cells. See more at transformation.
Cultural definitions for plasmid
plasmid
A circular bacterial DNA, sometimes used as a vector for gene insertion or genetic engineering. Plasmids are often the site of genes that code for resistance to antibiotics.