What is another word for plasmid?
Pronunciation: [plˈazmɪd] (IPA) 
Plasmids are circular pieces of DNA that are found in bacteria, and are vectors for carrying genes from one organism to another. Plasmids are often used in genetic engineering and biotechnology research. Synonyms for plasmid include bacterial vector, shuttle vector, cloning vector, expression vector, and gene transfer vector. Bacterial vector and shuttle vector both refer to plasmids that are capable of being transferred between bacterial cells. Cloning vector refers to a plasmid that is used to replicate a DNA sequence in a host cell. Expression vector refers to a plasmid that is used to express a specific protein or gene. Gene transfer vector refers to any plasmid that is used to transfer genes between organisms.
