plasmid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “plasmid” mean?
A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria and some other cells, separate from the main chromosomes, that can replicate independently and often carries genes for specific traits like antibiotic resistance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria and some other cells, separate from the main chromosomes, that can replicate independently and often carries genes for specific traits like antibiotic resistance.
In molecular biology and biotechnology, a self-replicating genetic structure used as a vector to clone, transfer, and manipulate genes in genetic engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The technical context is universal.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse but standard and frequent in relevant scientific fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “plasmid” in a Sentence
The plasmid CONTAINS a gene for...Scientists INSERTED the gene INTO the plasmid.The plasmid WAS ISOLATED from the bacteria.The plasmid REPLICATES independently.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plasmid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gene was plasmid-borne.
- We need to plasmid-prep the samples.
American English
- The gene was carried on a plasmid.
- We need to perform a plasmid prep on the samples.
adverb
British English
- The gene was transferred plasmidically.
American English
- The gene was transferred via a plasmid.
adjective
British English
- The plasmid DNA was purified.
- They observed plasmid-mediated resistance.
American English
- The plasmid DNA was isolated.
- They observed resistance mediated by a plasmid.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts: 'The company's patent covers a novel plasmid delivery system.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, genetics, and biotechnology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The core context. Standard term in lab protocols, scientific discussions, and genetic engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “plasmid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plasmid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plasmid”
- Mispronouncing it as 'plaz-MID' (stress should be on the first syllable).
- Using it to refer to any piece of DNA, rather than specifically the small, circular, self-replicating extra-chromosomal kind.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A plasmid is a piece of DNA, while a virus is a more complex infectious agent composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. Plasmids are not infectious on their own.
Naturally, human cells do not contain plasmids. Plasmids are primarily found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microorganisms like yeast. However, scientists can artificially introduce engineered plasmids into human cells in the lab for research or gene therapy.
Plasmids are crucial tools because they can be easily manipulated in the lab, used to replicate genes of interest (cloning), and serve as vehicles (vectors) to deliver those genes into other organisms to study gene function or produce useful proteins like insulin.
Copy number refers to the average number of copies of a particular plasmid present in a single bacterial cell. A high-copy-number plasmid might have 50-100 copies per cell, which is useful for producing large amounts of a protein.
A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria and some other cells, separate from the main chromosomes, that can replicate independently and often carries genes for specific traits like antibiotic resistance.
Plasmid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Plasmid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈplazmɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈplæzmɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a precise technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PLASMID as a small, circular PLAStic bag of MID-sized DNA instructions that bacteria can pass around.
Conceptual Metaphor
A plasmid is like a USB flash drive for a bacterial cell: a small, portable, removable storage device that can carry specific programs (genes) from one computer (cell) to another.
Practice
Quiz
What is a plasmid?