Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
episome

episome

1 9.9
A piece of DNA that can stay separate in a cell or join the cell's chromosome and copy with it
  • noun
  • /ˈɛpɪˌsoʊm/
  • Specialized
: episoma
  • The episome carried essential genes that enhanced the host's ability to resist antibiotics.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered an episome that could replicate independently within the bacterial cell.

  • Turns out episomes often contain genes.

  • During the experiment, scientists isolated an episome that could integrate into the host genome.

Surface Forms

episome singular
episomes plural

Morphology

episome = soma (opaque) = epi + soma

The elements are Greek combining forms used in specialized biological terminology, so their meanings are not readily inferable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word episome comes from the Greek parts epi- ('on' or 'upon') and soma ('body'), so it literally means 'on the body'. A helpful way to remember the modern meaning is to think of an episome as a small piece of DNA that can sit 'on' a cell's main genetic 'body' or attach to it and be copied with it.