Question

Bacterial plasmid contains
A) RNA
B) RNA+ Protein
C) DNA
D) Photosynthetic structures

Answer 1

Plasmid is extrachromosomal DNA present in bacteria and yeast.

Complete Answer:
- A bacterial plasmid is an extrachromosomal circular DNA present in the cytoplasm of bacteria. It has DNA as genetic material. It is also found in the archaea and eukaryotic organisms. Its replication is independent.
- The chromosomes are large with all the essential genetic information, plasmids are very small with only additional genes that may be useful in certain situations or conditions. It usually has certain specific genes responsible for providing an advantage to the bacteria.
- For example, it contains antibiotic-resistant genes.

Thus, the correct answer is option (C) DNA.

Additional information:
Col plasmids contain genes coding for bacteriocins, a class of proteins which kills other bacteria. Degradative plasmids enable digestion of unusual substances, e.g. toluene and salicylic acid. Virulence plasmids turn the bacterium into a pathogen.

Note: Plasmid shows conjugation where they are transferred from cell to cell in a bacterial colony. Plasmids are also widely used as vectors in recombinant DNA technology.