PLASMID DNA Meaning and
Definition
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Plasmid DNA refers to a type of genetic material that can be found in some bacteria and other microorganisms. It is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that exists independently of the chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are separate entities from the chromosomal DNA and can replicate autonomously within a host cell.
These small DNA molecules are primarily characterized by their ability to exist as extrachromosomal elements within bacteria. They often contain genes that encode for specific traits, such as antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, or metabolic enzymes, which can provide an advantage to the host organism. These genes can be transferred between different bacteria, creating a mechanism for the exchange of genetic information.
The size of plasmid DNA can vary widely, ranging from a few kilobases to several hundred kilobases. They are typically found in the cytoplasm of the bacterium and can be present in multiple copies within a single cell. Plasmids can be stably inherited during cell division and can also be transferred horizontally between different bacterial cells through mechanisms such as conjugation, transformation, or transduction.
Plasmid DNA has proven to be a valuable tool in molecular biology research and genetic engineering, as it can be easily manipulated and manipulated for various applications. It is commonly used in genetic engineering techniques to introduce foreign genes into host organisms, enabling the production of specific proteins or the modification of an organism's characteristics. The study of plasmids has contributed significantly to our understanding of microbial genetics and has tremendous potential for medical, environmental, and industrial applications.
Common Misspellings for PLASMID DNA
- olasmid dna
- llasmid dna
- -lasmid dna
- 0lasmid dna
- pkasmid dna
- ppasmid dna
- poasmid dna
- plzsmid dna
- plssmid dna
- plwsmid dna
- plqsmid dna
- plaamid dna
- plazmid dna
- plaxmid dna
- pladmid dna
- plaemid dna
- plawmid dna
- plasnid dna
- plaskid dna
- plasjid dna
Etymology of PLASMID DNA
The term "plasmid DNA" is a combination of two words: "plasmid" and "DNA".
1. Plasmid: The word "plasmid" originates from the Greek word "plasma", meaning "something formed" or "a molded thing". In microbiology, a plasmid is a small, circular, self-replicating piece of genetic material that is separate from the chromosomal DNA. The term was first coined by Joshua Lederberg, an American molecular biologist, in 1952.
2. DNA: DNA is an abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is the genetic material found in most organisms. The term was first introduced by the Swiss biochemist Friedrich Miescher in 1869, who discovered an acidic substance rich in phosphorus in the nuclei of white blood cells.
