Question

Identify an example of extrachromosomal DNA.

a.) Noncoding DNA

b.) A DNA virus during latent viral infection

c.) Chromatin

d.) An extra set of chromosomes

Answer 1

The example of extrachromosomal DNA is b.) A DNA virus during latent viral infection.

Step-by-step explanation:
Extrachromosomal DNA refers to DNA molecules that exist outside of the chromosomal DNA within a cell. In the case of a DNA virus during latent viral infection, the viral DNA exists as an extrachromosomal element within the host cell. During this latent phase, the viral DNA is not integrated into the host genome but remains separate and independent. This extrachromosomal viral DNA can persist in the host cell and may become activated to initiate viral replication at a later time.

Noncoding DNA (option a) refers to regions of DNA that do not contain instructions for protein synthesis. Chromatin (option c) refers to the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the chromosomes within the nucleus. An extra set of chromosomes (option d) would refer to a condition known as polyploidy, where an organism possesses more than two complete sets of chromosomes. Neither of these options represent extrachromosomal DNA.

Answer 2

The correct answer is b.) A DNA virus during latent viral infection.

Extrachromosomal DNA refers to DNA molecules that exist separately from the chromosomal DNA within a cell. They can be found in various forms and contexts. In the case of a DNA virus during latent viral infection, the viral DNA exists as extrachromosomal DNA within the host cell. During this latent phase, the viral DNA is not integrated into the host cell's chromosomal DNA but exists as an independent entity within the cell.