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plasmid

Small DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from a chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently

EntityQ172778

Also known as plasmids

Subclass of: cellular component

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

A plasmid is a small, extrachromosomal DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. They are most commonly found as small circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in bacteria and archaea; however plasmids are sometimes present in eukaryotic organisms as well. Plasmids often carry useful genes, such as those involved in antibiotic resistance, virulence, secondary metabolism and bioremediation. While chromosomes are large and contain all the essential genetic information for living under normal conditions, plasmids are usually very small and contain additional genes for special circumstances.

Overview

All data

41 statements · 20% with external sources · numbers in brackets are citations

Members / parts: carbon
nucleotide
Opposite of: chromosome
Different from: Plasmid

On other databases

29 identifiers linking plasmid across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

20%

externally sourced

Source last edited September 14, 2026. AIDB refreshes this page daily.

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AIDB. (2026). plasmid (Q172778). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/plasmid-Q172778