Genetic Material

Definition

Genetic material refers to DNA or RNA molecules that carry hereditary information. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is usually present as a circular chromosome located in a region called the nucleoid.

Related terms

Chromosome: A thread-like structure made up of DNA and associated proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells or in the nucleoid region of prokaryotic cells.

Nucleoid: The region within a prokaryotic cell where genetic material (DNA) is located, although it is not enclosed by a membrane like a true nucleus.

Plasmid:

Small, circular pieces of DNA found in some bacteria that can contain genes for specific traits.