Plasmid vs. Chromosome — What's the Difference?

Can replicate independently in a cell.

Located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Often used as vectors in genetic engineering.

Essential for the survival and reproduction of organisms.

Non-essential genetic elements found in bacteria.

Plays a role in cell division and inheritance.

A small, circular DNA molecule separate from chromosomal DNA.

A long DNA molecule containing genes.

Can confer special properties like antibiotic resistance.

Determines the genetic traits of an organism.

A plasmid is a small, extrachromosomal DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. They are most commonly found as small circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in bacteria; however, plasmids are sometimes present in archaea and eukaryotic organisms.

A chromosome is a long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism. Most eukaryotic chromosomes include packaging proteins called histones which, aided by chaperone proteins, bind to and condense the DNA molecule to maintain its integrity.

A circular, double-stranded unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are most often found in bacteria and are used in recombinant DNA research to transfer genes between cells.

A linear strand of DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that carries the genes and functions in the transmission of hereditary information.

(cytology) A loop of double-stranded DNA that is separate from and replicates independently of the chromosomes, most commonly found in bacteria, but also in archaeans and eukaryotic cells, and used in genetic engineering as a vector for gene transfer.

A circular strand of DNA in bacteria and archaea that contains the hereditary information necessary for cell life.

A piece of DNA, usually circular, functioning as part of the genetic material of a cell, not integrated with the chromosome and replicating independently of the chromosome, but transferred, like the chromosome, to subsequent generations of daughter cells. In bacteria, plasmids often carry the genes for antibiotic resistance; they are exploited in genetic engineering as the vehicles for introduction of extraneous DNA into cells, to alter the genetic makeup of the cell. The cells thus altered may produce desirable proteins which are extracted and used; in the case of genetically altered plant cells, the altered cells may grow into complete plants with changed properties, as for example, increased resistance to disease.

A linear arrangement of condensed DNA and associated proteins (such as chaperone proteins) which contains the genetic material (genome) of an organism.

A small cellular inclusion consisting of a ring of DNA that is not in a chromosome but is capable of autonomous replication

One of the minute bodies into which the chromatin of the nucleus is resolved during mitotic cell division; the idant of Weismann.

A threadlike body in the cell nucleus that carries the genes in a linear order

Yes, Plasmids are commonly used as vectors in genetic engineering.

Yes, Plasmids can carry genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Yes, genes located on Chromosomes determine an organism's genetic traits.

No, Plasmids are typically found in bacteria, not in human cells.

Chromosomes play a crucial role in ensuring genetic continuity during cell division.

Generally, Plasmids are non-essential, but they can provide survival benefits.

Plasmids can confer specific advantages to bacteria, like antibiotic resistance.

Humans have 46 Chromosomes in each cell, except for gametes.

No, the number of Chromosomes varies among species.

Genetic disorders can arise from abnormalities or mutations in Chromosomes