DNA in Prokaryotes and Plasmids Flashcards

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What is a prokaryotic cell?

A prokaryotic cell is a simple cell with no nucleus. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells.

Where is the main DNA found in a bacterial (prokaryotic) cell?

It is found as one long circular strand of DNA that is free in the cytoplasm, not inside a nucleus.

What does it mean when we say bacteria have circular DNA?

It means the main DNA in a bacterium is joined in a closed loop, like a circle, instead of long straight chromosomes.

What is a plasmid?

A plasmid is a small, extra ring of DNA found in the cytoplasm of some bacterial cells.

How is a plasmid different from the main bacterial DNA loop?

The main DNA is one large loop that holds most genes. Plasmids are much smaller loops that carry extra genes.

Do all bacteria have plasmids?

No. Only some bacteria have one or more plasmids, but all bacteria have the main circular DNA loop.

What kinds of genes are often found on plasmids?

Plasmids often carry useful genes, such as genes that give resistance to antibiotics.

Why are plasmids helpful to bacteria?

Plasmids can give bacteria extra features, like surviving antibiotics, which help them live in tough conditions.

How can plasmids help spread useful genes through a group of bacteria?

Bacteria can pass plasmids to other bacteria, so the useful genes on the plasmids can spread quickly.

How is DNA in a bacterial cell different from DNA in an animal cell?

In bacteria, DNA is a circular strand free in the cytoplasm and they may have plasmids. In animals, DNA is in linear chromosomes inside a nucleus and there are no plasmids.

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