Question

Can a Bacterial cell survive without Plasmid DNA?

Answer 1

Hint: A plasmid is a tiny extrachromosomal DNA molecule that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA and is physically isolated from it. Plasmids are small circular double-stranded DNA molecules that are most typically found in bacteria; however, they can also be found in archaea and eukaryotic cells.

Complete answer:
Double-stranded DNA molecules which provide great genetic advantages to a bacterial cell are called Plasmid. Yes, a Bacterial cell can survive without Plasmid DNA. The extrachromosomal genetic element present in the bacterial cell is called plasmid which is separated from chromosomal DNA. These are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules, which have the capability to replicate independently.

There are great advantages of the plasmid to bacteria but these are not required for the survival of bacteria. It is claimed that a bacterial cell requires plasmid only under stressful conditions. The genes carried in plasmids provide bacteria with genetic advantages such as antibiotic resistance and help bacteria to survive under stressful conditions. Plasmids are distinct from the chromosomal DNA of the cell.

Therefore, a Bacterial cell can survive without Plasmid DNA.

Note: Plasmids are even artificially introduced into bacteria via a process called transformation because it benefits the survival of bacteria. The look of double-stranded DNA is described by the double helix, which is made up of two linear strands that run in opposite directions, or anti-parallel, and twist together. Within the double helix, each DNA strand is a long, linear molecule made up of smaller units called nucleotides that link together to form a chain.