A __ __ is a small ring of DNA __ found in a bacterial I cell. gene bullet virus PCR plasmid

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify a small ring of DNA found in a bacterial cell. The options provided are gene, bullet, virus, PCR, and plasmid.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to understand what each of these terms means in the context of biology. <br /><br />- A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein.<br />- A bullet is a projectile, not a biological term.<br />- A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.<br />- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a method used in molecular biology to make many copies of a specific DNA segment.<br />- A plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Given the definitions, the term that best fits the description of a small ring of DNA found in a bacterial cell is a plasmid. Plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.