A plasmid is an extra-chromosomal element, often a circular DNA. The plasmids we will use in this class typically have three important elements:
Since a plasmid is (by definition) an extrachromosomal element, it cannot make use of any origin of DNA replication in a chromosome. That is, DNA synthesis within (i.e. copying of) a plasmid depends on its having an origin of DNA synthesis of its own. Obviously, if a plasmid couldn't be copied, it would be rapidly diluted out in a population of dividing cells because it couldn't be passed on to daughter cells.