Minichromosome
![Through the insertion of multiple genes and telomeres, a shortened minichromosome is produced which can then be inserted into a host cell](/Images/godic/202501/27/Telomere_mediated_minichromosome_production1322.jpg")
A minichromosome is a small chromatin-like structure consisting of centromeres, telomeres and replication origins and little additional genetic material. They replicate autonomously in the cell during cellular division. The origin of minichromosomes is the result of natural processes (chromosomal aberrations) or genetic engineering.