Textbook Question
A plasmid is __________ .
a. a molecule of RNA found in bacterial cells
b. distinguished from a chromosome by being circular
c. a structure in bacterial cells formed from plasma membrane
d. extrachromosomal DNA
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Introduction to Bacterial Plasmids
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Episomes differ from normal bacterial plasmids because…
A
Episomes carry genes that are not vital to a bacterial cell's life.
B
Episomes do not replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome.
C
Episomes are replicated by the same DNA machinery that replicated the bacterial chromosome.
D
Episomes are integrated into the bacterial chromosome.
E
A and C.
F
B and D.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of episomes: Episomes are a type of plasmid that can integrate into the bacterial chromosome and replicate as part of it.
Compare episomes with normal plasmids: Normal plasmids typically replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome, whereas episomes do not.
Recognize the replication mechanism: Episomes are replicated using the same DNA machinery as the bacterial chromosome, unlike normal plasmids which have their own replication mechanisms.
Identify integration into the chromosome: Episomes can integrate into the bacterial chromosome, which is a key distinguishing feature from normal plasmids.
Evaluate the options: Based on the characteristics of episomes, the correct options are those that highlight their integration into the chromosome and their replication mechanism, which are B and D.
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