NEET2026ZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and ProcessesActual
Given below are two statements : Statement I : Plasmids are autonomously replicating DNA. Statement II : Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Options
- AStatement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
- BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct
- CBoth Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- DStatement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Correct answer
B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
Step-by-step solution
Plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. They are found primarily in bacteria but also in some archaea and eukaryotes. They contain an origin of replication, which allows them to replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA. Thus, they are autonomously replicating DNA. Since they are distinct from the chromosomal DNA, they are referred to as extrachromosomal DNA. Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct. Answer: Both Statement I a