Question

Genetic engineers use plasmids. A plasmid is

A. a map of a gene.
B. a cell that is not yet specialized.
C. a small, circular piece of DNA.
D. an enzyme that can cut DNA into pieces.

Answer 1

The answer is C.
A plasmid is a small, often circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and other cells. Plasmids are separate from the bacterial chromosome and replicate independently of it. They generally carry only a small number of genes, notably some associated with antibiotic resistance.

Answer 2

C. A small, circular piece of DNA

Step-by-step explanation:

A plasmid, usually circular but sometimes linear, is a small double-stranded DNA unit, which is chromosome independent and is capable of self-replication. Each plasmid carries only a few genes. Carrying only a few genes, the plasmid’s size ranges from 1 to more than 1000 kbp. Genes required for organism survival and those that are generally beneficial to the host organism, such as antibiotic resistance, are often found in plasmids [1].

Mostly plasmids can be found in bacteria, but they are also present in multicellular organisms and archaea. Plasmids usually contain at least one gene and are not considered independent life forms even though they possess separate genes from their hosts