Question

Genophore of a prokaryote is
(a)RNA core
(b)Supercoiled DNA
(c)Proteins
(d)All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The genome of a prokaryotic organism consists of millions of base pairs arranged helically and finally wrapped up in a circular structure.

Complete Answer:
The Genophore of a prokaryote is the supercoiled DNA. It is also known as a prokaryotic chromosome.

Additional Information:
The genophore is generally double-stranded, circular (mainly), or linear in shape. They are arranged compactly by means of supercoiling. It remains localized in an irregular area known as the nucleoid. It is not surrounded by any membrane. The nucleoid also consists of RNA and proteins besides the DNA. The ‘nucleoid proteins' or the ‘nucleoid-associated proteins' help in the supercoiling of prokaryotic DNA. DNA supercoiling is the process of overwinding or underwinding of the DNA strands. It also helps in the packaging of the genetic material inside such a small cell. The supercoiling produces strain on the DNA molecules and also hampers the process of replication and transcription. The prokaryotes use the enzyme Topoisomerases in order to uncoil its DNA at the time of replication and transcription.

So, the correct answer is ‘Supercoiled DNA’.

Note: -The term ‘chromosome' is misleading in context to the prokaryotic genophore as it lacks the chromatin threads.
-The genophore can also be found in the mitochondria and chloroplasts of the eukaryotic animal. They have evolved from the prokaryotes over millions of years.
-The most common shape acquired by the DNA upon supercoiling is that of ‘8’. The two lobes of the shape ‘8’ may either run in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
-The prokaryotes consist of an extrachromosomal self-regulating structure known as Plasmid.