extrachromosomal

[ek-struh-kroh-muh-soh-muhl]

adjective

Genetics.

1. of or relating to DNA that exists outside the main chromosome and acts independently.

Word History and Origins

Origin of extrachromosomal¹

First recorded in 1935–40; extra- + chromosomal ( def. )

Example Sentences

One reason for the gene’s rapid spread: Klebsiella is adept at grabbing plasmids—extrachromosomal DNA–containing resistance genes directly from other bacteria.

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These chains—the longest extrachromosomal genetic material ever found—most likely enter single-celled archaea and help them break down methane.

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“I don’t think anything else that’s been discovered is as big as these guys are,” among previously known extrachromosomal DNA elements, Doolittle says.

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Scientists first noticed this so-called extrachromosomal DNA five decades ago.

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Those clumps went by many names over the years, such as double minutes and extrachromosomal DNA.

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