Genetics and Genetic Engineering

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. A Dictionary of Biology Further reading

episome

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2008 | Copyright

episome , unit of genetic material composed of a series of genes that sometimes has an independent existence in a host cell and at other times is integrated into a chromosome of the cell, replicating itself along with the chromosome. Episomes have been studied in bacteria. One group of episomes are actually viruses that infect bacteria. As autonomous units they destroy host cells, and as segments integrated into a chromosome they multiply in cell division and are transferred to daughter cells. Episomes called sex factors determine whether chromosome material will be transferred from one bacterium to another. Other episomes carry genes that make bacteria resistant to the inhibitory action of antibiotics. See recombination .

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episome

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

episome A genetic element that can exist and replicate either independently of its host cell's chromosomes or as an integrated part of the chromosomes. Examples include certain bacterial plasmids.

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"episome." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"episome." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-episome.html

"episome." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-episome.html

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