Question

Which one of the following carries extranuclear genetic material?

• A. Plastid
• B. Plasmid
• C. Golgi complex
• D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Both A and B

Extrachromosomal DNA is any DNA that is found outside of the nucleus of a cell. It is also referred to as extranuclear DNA or cytoplasmic DNA. Most DNA in an individual genome is found in chromosomes but DNA found outside of the nucleus also serves important biological functions.
In prokaryotes, nonviral extrachromosomal DNA is primarily found in plasmids whereas in eukaryotes extrachromosomal DNA is primarily found in organelles like plastids. Mitochondrial DNA is the main source of this extrachromosomal DNA in eukaryotes. Extrachromosomal DNA is often used in research of replication because it is easy to identify and isolate. Extrachromosomal DNA exists in prokaryotes outside of the nucleoid region as circular or linear plasmids.