Relating to or involving an episome, which is a genetic element in a cell that can exist independently or attach to a chromosome.
From episome + -al. Episome was coined in 1952 by molecular biologists combining Greek epi- 'upon' + soma 'body' to describe DNA that sits atop the main chromosome.
Episomal DNA explains how antibiotic resistance spreads so fast between bacteria—resistance genes travel on episomes like biological USB drives, copying themselves from one bacterial cell to another!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.