PLASMIDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Plasmids are small, circular, and self-replicating DNA molecules that are separate from the chromosomal DNA in cells. They are commonly found in bacteria, but can also exist in yeast and other eukaryotic organisms. Plasmids are referred to as extrachromosomal elements as they are not part of the main genome of an organism.
Plasmids can vary in size and can contain anywhere from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of base pairs. They typically carry genes that confer advantageous traits to the host organism, such as antibiotic resistance, metabolic pathways, and virulence factors. These genes can be transferred between individual bacteria or between species through processes like conjugation, transformation, or transduction.
Plasmids play an essential role in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Scientists can manipulate and modify plasmids by introducing or removing specific genes of interest. These modified plasmids can then be introduced into host cells, allowing the cells to produce desired proteins or perform specific functions.
In addition, plasmids are widely used as cloning vectors in laboratory settings. By inserting a DNA fragment of interest into a plasmid, scientists can replicate and amplify the DNA before transferring it to other organisms. This technique has revolutionized genetic research and allowed for the production of numerous recombinant proteins, vaccines, and genetically modified organisms.
Overall, plasmids are crucial genetic elements that have diverse roles in organisms, serving as carriers of genetic information and contributing to horizontal gene transfer and genetic diversity.
Common Misspellings for PLASMIDS
Etymology of PLASMIDS
The word "plasmid" originates from the Greek word "plasma" (πλάσμα), which means "something molded or formed". In the context of biology, "plasmid" refers to a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that exists separately from the chromosomal DNA in most bacteria and some other organisms. The term was first coined by the American molecular biologist Joshua Lederberg in the 1950s when he discovered these self-replicating DNA molecules in bacteria. The name "plasmid" was chosen to reflect their ability to take different forms and functions within a cell.
