Which is the term for replicating circular pieces of DNA that often carry antibiotic-resistant genes?

The term for replicating circular pieces of DNA that often carry antibiotic-resistant genes is "plasmids." Plasmids are small, independent DNA molecules found in bacteria and some eukaryotes, and they can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA. They often play a crucial role in horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to share traits such as antibiotic resistance.