Prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) typically store their genomes on a single large, circular chromosome. Similarly, some eukaryotic organelles contain a remnant circular chromosome with a small number of genes.:14.4 Prokaryotes sometimes supplement their chromosome with additional small circles of DNA called <answer>plasmids</answer>, which usually encode only a few genes and are transferable between individuals. For example, the genes for antibiotic resistance are usually encoded on bacterial <answer>plasmids</answer> and can be passed between individual cells, even those of different species, via horizontal gene transfer.
Small circles of DNA that encode only a few genes and are transferable between individuals are called what?
plasmids