What is another word for accessory chromosome?
Pronunciation: [ɐksˈɛsəɹˌi kɹˈə͡ʊməsˌə͡ʊm] (IPA) 
Accessory Chromosomes are additional genetic elements present in bacterial cells other than the basic chromosome, which carries essential genes. They are also known as secondary chromosomes, extra-chromosomal elements, plasmids or episomes. These chromosomes carry non-essential genetic information, including antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, but their presence can greatly impact the survival and evolution of bacterial populations. Other synonyms for accessory chromosome can include "supplemental chromosome", "secondary genome", and "extragenomic DNA". These terms refer to the same concept in microbiology, which highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of bacterial genetics. Understanding this additional layer of genetic information can help researchers identify new targets for treatment and better understand the spread of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
