Biopolymers and cell. 2000; 16 (4): 301 - 311

Extrachromosomal DNA in eukaryotic cells

K. V. Krysan

Two forms of transgenes are known — Integrated into the host genome and extrachromosomal. Although the integrated transgenes are more common, the extrachromosomal ones are more interesting and perspective for the purposes of biotechnology and biomedicine. However, the mechanisms determining the fate of the extrachromosomal DNA molecule, have not been entirely studied so far. In this review we discuss these mechanisms and consider the extrachromosomal DNA of different origin.