Plasmid biology: What is the standard term for the process by which plasmids are eliminated from bacterial cells?

Introduction / Context:
In genetics and biotechnology, researchers often need to remove plasmids to study phenotypes or to reset strains. The established term for plasmid loss is important for interpreting methods sections and troubleshooting strain construction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements maintained by replication and partition systems.
• Loss can be spontaneous or induced by treatments.
• The question asks for the widely used single term.

Concept / Approach:

“Curing” refers to intentional or spontaneous loss of plasmids from a host cell population. Methods include growth at elevated temperatures (for temperature-sensitive replicons), treatment with intercalating agents, or outgrowth without selective pressure, followed by screening for plasmid-free colonies.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Lab manuals and primary literature consistently use “curing” to denote plasmid elimination procedures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Breaking/fixing/expulsion: nonspecific or misleading; not standard genetic terminology for plasmid loss.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming curing implies physical expulsion; it refers to loss of maintenance/replication, not mechanical ejection.

Final Answer:

curing