Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Genetic Structures > Plasmids Terms and Definitions

Plasmids

Medical Definition:	Extrachromosomal, usually CIRCULAR DNA molecules that are self-replicating and transferable from one organsim to another. They are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal, and plant species. They are used in GENETIC ENGINEERING as CLONING VECTORS.
Guide Notes:	GEN; prefer specifics
Also Called:	Episomes
Previously Indexed:	Extrachromosomal Inheritance (1968-1974),Genetics (1966-1967)

Plasmids Categories.

	Bacteriocin Plasmids - Plasmids encoding bacterial exotoxins (BACTERIOCINS).
	F Factor - A plasmid whose presence in the cell, either extrachromosomal or integrated into the BACTERIAL CHROMOSOME, determines the "sex" of the bacterium, host chromosome mobilization, transfer via conjugation (CONJUGATION, GENETIC) of genetic material, and the formation of SEX PILI.
	Hemolysin Factors - Plasmids controlling the synthesis of hemolysin by bacteria.
	Lactose Factors - Plasmids which determine the ability of a bacterium to ferment lactose.
	Plant Tumor-Inducing Plasmids - Plasmids coding for proteins which induce PLANT TUMORS. The most notable example of a plant tumor inducing plasmid is the Ti plasmid found associated with AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS.
	R Factors - A class of plasmids that transfer antibiotic resistance from one bacterium to another by conjugation.

Plasmids Medical Definitions and Terms

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