episome
/ˈɛpɪˌsoʊm/
noun
- A genetic element in a cell that can exist either independently or as part of the main chromosome, often found in bacteria.
- Some viruses can act as an episome, integrating into the host's DNA.
- The scientist studied how the episome replicates inside the bacterial cell.
- The lab experiment showed that the episome could be transferred between bacteria.