Question

Which of the following traits exemplify plasmid DNA?

A) It often carries genes beneficial to its bacterial host.
B) It replicates independently of the genomic DNA.
C)It is always larger than the genomic DNA.
D)Both A and B, above
E)Both B and C, above

Answer 1

Plasmid DNA often carries genes beneficial to the bacterial host and can replicate independently of genomic DNA. Plasmids are not necessarily larger than genomic DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The traits that exemplify plasmid DNA include its ability to carry genes beneficial to its bacterial host, such as those providing resistance to antibiotics or the production of antibiotics, and its capacity to replicate independently of the genomic DNA.

However, plasmids are not always larger than the genomic DNA, so this statement is false. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Both A and B.

In bacteria, plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that replicate independently of the genomic DNA.

They can carry genes that provide beneficial traits to the bacterial host, such as antibiotic resistance or production of antibiotics. Plasmids can also be transferred between bacteria, allowing for the spread of these advantageous genes.