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A plasmid is an extra-chromosomal DNA molecule separate from the chromosomal DNA which is capable of replicating independently of the chromosomal DNA. In many cases, it is circular and double-stranded. Plasmids usually occur naturally in bacteria, but are sometimes found in eukaryotic organisms. Plasmids are considered transferable genetic elements, or "replicons", capable of autonomous replication within a suitable host.

A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein that is found in cells. A chromosome is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions.

The major general differences include:

* Plasmids have much less base pairs than chromosomes * Plasmids are rarely organized by chaperone proteins * Plasmids are easily transferred * Plasmids usually contain non-essential genes * Plasmids function can be lost or gained without harming the organism * Plasmids are usually found in "lower" organisms

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Small DNA loops are called?

Small DNA loops are called plasmids. Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that are separate from the chromosomal DNA of a cell. They are often found in bacteria and can replicate independently.


What are the 2 types of DNA plasmids found in microorganisms?

Plasmids are autonomous DNA molecules of varying size which are localized within the cytoplasm of bacteria. There are two kinds:virulence plasmids = determines the virulence factors of the bacteriaresistance plasmids (R-plasmids) = determines the bacteria's resistance to anti-infective agents


Extrachromosomal DNA in prokaryotic cells can be found in the form of?

Extrachromosomal DNA in prokaryotic cells can be found in the form of plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules that replicate independently from the chromosomal DNA. Plasmids can carry genes that provide bacteria with additional functions, such as antibiotic resistance or virulence factors.


Are plasmids found in plant or animal cells or both?

Plasmids can be found in both plant and animal cells. They are small, circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently of the cell's chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are commonly used in genetic engineering and biotechnology applications.


Small accessory chromosomes found in bacteria and useful in recombinant DNA procedures are called?

plasmids


What type of organisms have plasmids?

Plasmids are commonly found in bacteria and archaea. They are small, circular DNA molecules that exist outside the chromosomal DNA of the organism. Some yeast and plant cells can also contain plasmids.


Is human cell contain plasmid?

Plasmid is the property of prokaryotic cell i.e. of bacteria generally no mamalian cell have plasmid but ya there can be chances to have lillte part of DNA sequence to be simillar that of plasmid DNA sequence in prokaryotes


Who discovered plasmid?

The discovery of plasmids is credited to Joshua Lederberg and Esther Lederberg in the 1950s. They identified plasmids as small, circular DNA molecules that are found in bacteria and can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.


Little rings found in the DNA of bacteria called?

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome. They often carry genes that can provide benefits to the bacteria, such as antibiotic resistance. Plasmids can be transferred between bacteria through a process called conjugation.


What can be found freely floating around in a bacterium but not in a flower?

Plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently from the bacterial chromosome, can be found freely floating around in a bacterium but not in a flower. Flowers do not typically contain plasmids and rely on their nuclear DNA for genetic information.


What are Extra-chromosomal DNA particles capable of independent replication are called?

Extra-chromosomal DNA particles capable of independent replication are called plasmids. Plasmids are circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that can replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA. They often carry additional genes that can provide advantages to the bacteria, such as antibiotic resistance.


Do all eukaryotic cells have plasmids?

Most plasmids are found in prokaryotic cells, but a few eukaryotic cells also have plasmids. An example of a eukaryote with plasmids is the unicellular yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.