AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and some other microscopic organisms. Plasmids are physically separate from chromosomal DNA and replicate independently.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plasmids can be copied numerous times, regardless of whether the bacterial host is replicating its own DNA, and every time a plasmid vector is replicated, so is the introduced DNA that it contains. They are circular. DNA that is circular is well suited to incorporate extra DNA sequences.

Detailed explanation-3: -Circular DNA is a form of closed-loop DNA that has no ends. This type of DNA is found in the cytoplasm of most prokaryotic cells. Also, it is seen in organelles like chloroplasts and mitochondria. The plasmid DNA is a classic example of extrachromosomal circular DNA.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -Plasmid DNA is a part of extrachromosomal DNA that is separated from the genomic DNA. It typically occurs inside the prokaryotic cells and is circular in nature.