Plasmid
A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and some other microscopic organisms. Plasmids are physically separate from chromosomal DNA and replicate independently. They typically have a small number of genes — notably, some associated with antibiotic resistance — and can be passed from one cell to another. Scientists use recombinant DNA methods to splice genes that they want to study into a plasmid. When the plasmid copies itself, it also makes copies of the inserted gene.
Program Director
Division Of Genomic Medicine
Recombinant DNA Technology Chromosome Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Gene Cloning DNA Sequencing Genetic Engineering