plasmid

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04689
An extrachromosomal genetic element consisting generally of a circular duplex of @D01597@ which can replicate independently of chromosomal @D01597@. R-plasmids are responsible for the mutual transfer of @A00383@ @R05315@ among microbes. Plasmids are used as @V06606@ for cloning @D01597@ in bacteria or yeast host cells.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. (Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)) on page 162 [Terms] [Paper]