What is the Difference Between Genomic and Plasmid DNA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Genomic DNA and plasmid DNA are two types of DNA found in living organisms. They differ in several aspects:
Genomic DNA:
- Chromosomal DNA containing genetic information passed from one generation to the next.
- Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Larger than plasmid DNA.
- Essential for the growth, survival, and reproduction of the cell.
- Lower rate of replication.
- Not used as a vector in recombinant DNA technology.
Plasmid DNA:
- Extrachromosomal DNA found in prokaryotes such as bacteria and a few eukaryotes.
- Smaller than chromosomal DNA.
- Circular in shape.
- Not very essential for the functioning of the cell.
- Higher rate of replication.
- Widely used as a cloning vector in recombinant DNA technology.
In terms of extraction, plasmid DNA extraction requires separating the plasmid from genomic DNA to avoid contamination, while genomic DNA extraction involves lysis and purification via ethanol precipitation. Plasmid DNA extraction uses size-based separation, whereas genomic DNA extraction involves mechanical disruption to lyse cells.
Comparative Table: Genomic vs Plasmid DNA
Here is a table highlighting the differences between genomic DNA and plasmid DNA:
Feature | Genomic DNA | Plasmid DNA |
---|---|---|
Location | Chromosomal DNA | Extrachromosomal DNA |
Organisms | Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes | Found only in prokaryotes (e.g., bacteria) and some eukaryotes (e.g., plants, yeast) |
Size | Larger than plasmid DNA | Smaller than genomic DNA, usually 3-5 kb |
Structure | Linear | Circular |
Replication | Depends on cell's replication machinery | Self-replicative, with its own origin of replication |
Function | Encodes essential genetic information for the organism | Contains non-essential genes, often providing additional advantages |
Inheritance | Passed from one generation to the next | Not involved in the inheritance process |
Recombinant DNA Technology | Not used as a vector | Used as a vector for carrying recombinant DNA |
In summary, genomic DNA is larger, linear, and chromosomal, while plasmid DNA is smaller, circular, and extrachromosomal. Genomic DNA encodes essential genetic information and is passed down through generations, whereas plasmid DNA contains non-essential genes and is used as a vector in recombinant DNA technology.
- Genomic DNA vs Plasmid DNA Isolation
- Plasmid DNA vs Chromosomal DNA
- Plasmid vs Chromosome
- Plasmid vs Transposon
- Genetics vs Genomics
- Plasmid vs Vector
- cDNA vs Genomic Library
- Plasmid vs Episome
- Gene vs DNA
- Gene vs Genome
- Plasmid vs Cosmid
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic DNA
- Chromosomal DNA vs Extrachromosomal DNA
- DNA vs cDNA
- Mitochondrial DNA vs Chloroplast DNA
- DNA vs Chromosome
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Genome
- Genetic Engineering vs Cloning
- DNA vs RNA