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#plasmids

13 public questions tagged with this topic.

Which of the following is incorrect about plasmids in genetic engineering?

Plasmids do not encode ribosomal RNA in humans; they are used as vectors in genetic engineering. This follows from NCERT principle where relation explains outcome clearly for students.

Ref: NCERT Biology Textbook for Class XI and XII (Zoology section), Chapter: Biology - Zoology portion covering relevant system and function, Topic: Structural organization and physiology.

Plasmids are

Plasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements independent of main chromosome, typically small circular double-stranded DNA molecules capable of autonomous replication using their own origin of replication. They are nonessential for viability under standard conditions but confer selective advantages like antibiotic resistance, toxin production, or metabolic pathways. Copy number ranges from single to hundreds per cell. They transfer horizontally via conjugation if bearing tra genes. Laboratory cloning vectors derive from natural plasmids like ColE1 and F, engineered for replication and selection markers.

Ref: Griffiths et al., Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 12th ed., Chapter 6: Plasmids and Extrachromosomal Elements