VMC-0082
QUESTION
One of the following is NOT a property of bacterial plasmid?
OPTIONS
(A) Double stranded
(B) Circular
(C) Replicates
(D) Essential for survival of bacterium
ANSWER
(D) Essential for survival of bacterium
EXPLANATION
Bacterial plasmids are usually extrachromosomal, double-stranded, circular DNA molecules capable of autonomous replication and carrying accessory genes. They are generally not essential for bacterial survival under ordinary conditions. Thus option D is correct; double-stranded structure, circularity, and replication are typical plasmid properties.