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• Autonomously replicating extra-chromosomal circular DNA molecules, distinct from the normal bacterial genome and nonessential for cell survival under nonselective conditions. Some plasmids are capable of integrating into the host genome. A number of artificially constructed plasmids are used as cloning vectors.
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• Browse Related Terms: bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), bacteriophage, cloning vector, cosmid, gene transfer, P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC), phage, Retroviral infection, Transfection, Vector, Virus, yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)

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