What are plasmids and how do they aid scientists as a biotechnology tool?

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Don't forget, when you encounter a word you don't know, to use a good dictionary.

Main Entry: plas·mid
Pronunciation: 'plaz-m&d
Function: noun
Etymology: plasma + [2]-id
Date: 1952
: an extrachromosomal ring of DNA especially of bacteria that replicates autonomously

The definition itself should answer the 2nd part of your question for you.

Sra