Step 1: Understand bacterial DNA.
Bacteria have a main chromosomal DNA (nucleoid) and often contain extra-chromosomal DNA elements called plasmids.
Step 2: Characteristics of plasmids.
- Plasmids are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules.
- They can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome.
- Plasmids often carry genes that confer selective advantages, like antibiotic resistance.
Step 3: Compare with other options.
- Cosmid: vector combining features of plasmids and phages, used in cloning.
- Nucleoid: region containing the main bacterial chromosome.
- Phagemid: hybrid vector combining features of plasmids and phages.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, extra-chromosomal, self-replicating circular DNA in bacteria is called a Plasmid.