1. a DNA molecule or sequence that can replicate independently within a cell
Usage: biology; genetics

Examples

• The bacterial chromosome is a single replicon that contains all essential genes.
• Plasmids are small replicons that exist separately from the main chromosome.
• Scientists studied how the replicon initiates DNA replication at specific sites.
• Each replicon has an origin of replication where DNA synthesis begins.
• The virus uses the host cell’s machinery to replicate its own replicon.