Plasmids

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Plasmids

Plasmids (/ˈplæzmɪdz/; from Greek: πλάσμα, plasma, "something molded") are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. They naturally exist in bacterial cells, and they also occur in some eukaryotes.

Etymology

The term "plasmid" was first introduced by the American molecular biologist Joshua Lederberg in 1952. It is derived from the Greek word "plasma", which means "something molded", and the suffix "-id", which means "offspring" or "descendant".

Function

Plasmids play a crucial role in genetic engineering. They are used as vectors to artificially create DNA sequences in a laboratory. Because plasmids can replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA, they can be used to multiply (clone) certain genes or other DNA sequences in a cell.

Types of Plasmids

There are several types of plasmids, including:

  • F-plasmids, which carry genes related to fertility.
  • R-plasmids, which provide bacteria with resistance against antibiotics.
  • Col-plasmids, which contain genes that code for bacteriocins, proteins that can kill other bacteria.

Related Terms

  • Vector: A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell.
  • Cloning: The process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals.
  • Antibiotic resistance: The ability of a microorganism to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

External links

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