Question

Autonomously replicating circular extrachromosomal DNA is called -

• A. Recombinant DNA
• B. Cybrid
• C. Plasmid
• D. Yeast artificial chromosome

Hint:

Memorize the definition of a plasmid. It is a fundamental tool in molecular cloning and genetic engineering, acting as a "vector" to carry foreign genes into bacteria.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question defines a biological entity and requests its name. The defining characteristics are: autonomous replication, circular structure, and extrachromosomal location.
Step 2: Explanation of Options:
Recombinant DNA: DNA formed by combining segments from different origins. This is an artificially created molecule, not a naturally occurring entity fitting the description.
Cybrid: A hybrid cell resulting from the fusion of a whole cell and an enucleated cell. It's a cell, not a DNA molecule.
Plasmid: A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule separate from the cell's chromosome. Found in bacteria and some eukaryotes, plasmids replicate independently. This aligns precisely with the provided definition.
Yeast artificial chromosome (YAC): A DNA molecule designed for cloning DNA in yeast. YACs are linear, not circular.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Therefore, the term for a self-replicating, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecule is plasmid.