Plasmid DNA and Chromosomal DNA

Crucial gene information is transmitted on to another individual as a component of the process of inheritance during the phenomena of reproduction. A Plasmid DNA is extra chromosomal DNA that is distinct from the genomic DNA. It has a round shape and is found mostly inside cells of the bacteria. It is a tiny molecule having a varying no. of copies for each cell, as opposed to chromosomes. Moreover, by definition it is self-replicative because it has a replication origin.

Therefore, they are not dependent on the genomic DNA and are skilled of replication by self. Also, the Plasmid DNA codes for genes that give consequences that are not required for the activity of the cell, like metal resistance, fixation of the nitrogen, resistance to the antibiotic, etc. As a result, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells eat plasmid DNA under experimentally produced or natural settings. As a consequence, new genes can be introduced using genetic engineering.

Chromosomal DNA is the genomic DNA that is found mostly in eukaryotic and prokaryotic species. Eukaryotic genomes have some linear chromosomes, while prokaryotic genomes have a circular shape chromosome. They are double-stranded and contain a replication origin. The eukaryotes have several replication origins due to their enormous size. Furthermore, the no. of chromosomes in each kind differs per species.

The Difference between Chromosomal DNA and Plasmid DNA

1. The fundamental distinction between chromosomal DNA and plasmid DNA is that plasmid DNA only contains extra genes that are not really necessary for the organism existence, but chromosomal DNA carries all of the information needed for the growth of the organism, development of the organism, and reproduction.
2. In terms of strands- the plasmid DNA is double stranded whereas chromosomal DNA is double or single stranded.
3. Shape- the shape of the chromosomal DNA may be linear in shape or circular shape while that of Plasmid DNA is circular in shape.
4. Presence of the histone proteins- chromosomal DNA is coated with the histone proteins whereas in Plasmid DNA histone proteins are absent and it is ultimately naked.
5. Presence- the chromosomal DNA is freely floating in the bacterial cells cytoplasm while in the eukaryotic organism, they are generally found in the nucleus whereas the plasmids are parted from the bacterial genomic DNA.
6. Property of Self-Replication- the plasmid DNA has the properties of self- replication without the help of the main genome whereas the chromosomal DNA replicates with the help of the genome only.
7. In terms of exons/ introns– the chromosomal DNA has both the introns and the exons whereas in the Plasmid DNA the introns are absent and only exons are found.
8. Size– the Plasmid DNA is smaller than the chromosomal DNA.
9. Acting as a genetic factor– the Chromosomal DNA acts as a genetic factor whereas the Plasmid DNA cannot act as one and it is regarded as extra chromosomal DNA.
10. Quantity- the number of Chromosomal DNA depends upon the species whereas in a Plasmid DNA the number is between 1 to 1000,
11. Rate of Replication– the plasmid DNA has a higher rate of replication than the Chromosomal DNA.
12. Carrying of genes- the chromosomal DNA carry various genes that are vital for the cells that carry the genetic information and that are important for the survival and the well-being of the organisms on the other hand the Plasmid DNA does not carry any gene that is vital important for the cells. But they have certain genes which are advantageous for bacteria including the resistance to the pesticides, antibiotics and drought tolerance.
13. Means of transfer- the Plasmid DNA can be transferred by the way of horizontal transfer of genes whereas the Chromosomal DNA can only be transferred by the method of division of cells.

Significance of the Plasmid DNA and the Chromosomal DNA

1. The Plasmid DNA is vital for the recombinant DNA technology. Moreover, it can also be used as a vector in the field of biotechnology.
2. Chromosomal DNA is essential to read the genetic information and is important for the living organisms. It is also necessary for inheritance and for protein coding.
3. The Chromosomal DNA is also essential for the life processes that further help in the development of the cell and in reproduction.

Also See:

• Difference Between Insect-pollinated and Wind-pollinated Flowers
• Difference Between Obligate Parasite and Facultative Parasite
• Difference Between Plant Tissue and Animal Tissue
• Difference Between Non-statutory and Statutory Bodies
• Difference Between Exons and Introns
• Difference Between Endosmosis and Exosmosis

Conclusion

Plasmid DNA is a sort of extra chromosomal DNA. It occurs spontaneously within prokaryotic cells. Furthermore, it is a tiny, round, double-stranded DNA molecule with genes that are not required for the cell’s overall function. Chromosomal DNA, on the other hand, is a form of spherical or linear DNA that belongs to the genome. As a result, the information contained in the genes of chromosomal DNA is required for the growth of the organism, development, and also for reproduction. The primary distinction between the chromosomal and Plasmid DNA is hence their structure and function within the cell.