AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plasmid DNA is linear in shape whereas chromosomal DNA can be linear or circular in shape. Naturally, plasmid DNA is present as a tightly supercoiled circle to allow itself to fit inside the cell. Chromosomal DNA is often observed as X-shaped structures.

Detailed explanation-2: -DNA can be mainly found in two forms; the linear form and the circular form. Linear DNA is the form of DNA present in the eukaryotic nucleus and is composed of two free ends. Circular DNA is predominantly found in prokaryotes, whereas the mitochondria, chloroplast and plasmids also contain circular DNA.

Detailed explanation-3: -Linear DNA is seen in the nucleus of eukaryotic organisms. Circular DNA is seen in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, organelles like chloroplast and mitochondria. It is large in size. It is comparatively smaller.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plasmids are usually circular molecules of DNA, although occasionally, plasmids that are linear or made of RNA exist. They may be found as single or multiple copies and may carry from half a dozen to several hundred genes.