Term: plasmid
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04689

Definition:
An extrachromosomal genetic element consisting generally of a circular duplex of DNA which can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA. R-plasmids are responsible for the mutual transfer of antibiotic resistance among microbes. Plasmids are used as vectors for cloning DNA in bacteria or yeast host cells.

Related Terms:
1) dna (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01597).
2) vectors (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.V06606).
3) antibiotic (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00383).
4) resistance (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05315).

Source: PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 162 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)

Citation: 'plasmid' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04689

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