NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
A researcher observes a small, circular, autonomously replicating extrachromosomal DNA molecule within a bacterial cell. Which of the following specific phenotypic characters is most likely conferred to the host cell by this structure?
Options
- ASynthesis of essential housekeeping proteins
- BSite of cellular respiration
- CPackaging of the main genetic material
- DResistance to specific antibiotics
Correct answer
D. Resistance to specific antibiotics
Step-by-step solution
The structure described is a plasmid, which is a small, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecule that replicates independently of the main bacterial chromosome. Plasmids carry non-essential genes that confer unique phenotypic characters to the bacteria. The most common and notable of these traits is resistance to specific antibiotics. The synthesis of essential housekeeping proteins is directed by the main genomic DNA (nucleoid). The site of cellular respiration in bacteria is the mesosome. Packaging of genetic mate