Difference Between Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA
Plasmid DNA is self-replicative whereas chromosomal DNA uses the genome for replication. Check this article to know more about the Difference Between Plasmid DNA And Chromosomal DNA.
Jasdeep Bhatia15 Mar, 2024
Share
Difference Between Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA : As a part of the inheritance, genetic information is passed from one generation to the next generation. Plasmid DNA is separated from the genomic DNA and part of extrachromosomal DNA. It is circular in nature and occurs inside the prokaryotic cells.
Plasmid DNA is a smaller molecule that contains the origin of replication and can self-replicate without the help of genomic DNA. Plasmid DNA encodes for the genes that outcome is not required for the functioning of the cell like nitrogen fixation, metal, and antibiotic resistance.Plasmid DNA
- Plasmid DNA works both in artificially induced and natural conditions by both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
- By using the genetic engineering process, new genes can be inserted. In bacteria, plasmid DNA is extra-chromosomal DNA.
- These DNA loops are double-stranded, closed, and circular.
- Plasmid DNA has various characteristics, including genes for antibiotic resistance and self-replication, which make them useful as vectors in biotechnology.
- Plasmid DNA can be used to introduce crucial genes into bacteria.
- They are isolated from the genetic DNA of bacteria.
- They lack essential genes that are required for bacteria to survive. However, they contain genes that benefit bacteria, including drought tolerance, pesticide and herbicide resistance, and antibiotic resistance.
- Replication started using plasmid DNA. As a result, they can reproduce themselves without the help of genomic DNA. Both introns and histone protein coating are absent from them.
Related Links -
Chromosomal DNA
- Chromosomal DNA is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- In eukaryotic cells possesses few linear chromosomes, while prokaryotic genomes carry a single circular chromosome.
- Chromosomal DNA is double-stranded and has Ori (origin of replication). More than one in eukaryotes is credited to their large size.
- Two copies of a particular type of chromosome represent an individual's genome and are essential for growth, evolution, and reproduction.
- Genomic DNA is present as chromosomal DNA in most living things. Chromosome DNA resides inside the nucleus of eukaryotic species instead of bacteria, where it is free to float in the cytoplasm.
- Chromosomal DNA can be both circular and linear. While some organisms, particularly bacteria and archaea, only have one chromosome, others contain several.
- All genetic information required for the life and well-being of the organisms is included in chromosomal DNA.
- Through chromosomal DNA replication, genetic information is transferred from parents to offspring. It multiplies when cells divide.
- Furthermore, introns and exons are both components of chromosomal DNA. Histone proteins are closely packed with this DNA as well.
Related Links -
Difference Between Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA <span style=
How do chromosomes and genes differ?
DNA strands in chromosomes are tightly wound, while DNA sequences that code for certain proteins are known as genes. All life forms depend on DNA for vital genetic information needed for survival and proper operation.
Explain how plasmids replicate
Physically distinct from chromosomal DNA, plasmids multiply on their own. They normally contain only a few genes, including some linked to antibiotic resistance, and they can spread from one cell to another. Researchers use recombinant DNA techniques to splice the genes they want to research into a plasmid.
Why are plasmids used as vectors?
Bacteria include double-stranded, closed, circular, non-chromosomal, and self-replicating DNA units called plasmids. Plasmids have sufficient genetic material to reproduce themselves. Plasmids are used as vectors because, when added to them, a foreign DNA fragment can be transported.
What is the key difference between chromosomal and plasmid DNA?
Ans- Plasmid DNA is significant in reading genetic information, while chromosomal DNA is significant in RDT ( recombinant DNA technology).
How are plasmids transferred among several bacterial cells?
Plasmids can be transferred across bacterial cells. Small pieces of DNA, including human DNA, can be circularised, connected to the relevant elements, and then introduced into bacteria. There, they are copied together with the host bacterial chromosome. Plasmids are the tiny rings that house the cloned DNA.
🔥 Trending Blogs
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.
