Where is DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

Where is DNA located in prokaryotic cells?

• A. In the nucleoid chromosome and in plasmids
• B. In the nucleus
• C. In mitochondria
• D. In chloroplasts

Answer: (A)

In prokaryotic cells, DNA lives in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid, where the single circular chromosome is concentrated. Many prokaryotes also carry small circular DNA molecules called plasmids that encode additional traits. They lack a membrane-bound nucleus, as well as mitochondria and chloroplasts, so there isn’t an organelle-based compartment for DNA. This arrangement lets the genetic material be instantly accessible for transcription and replication in the cytoplasm.

In prokaryotic cells, DNA lives in the cytoplasm in a region called the nucleoid, where the single circular chromosome is concentrated. Many prokaryotes also carry small circular DNA molecules called plasmids that encode additional traits. They lack a membrane-bound nucleus, as well as mitochondria and chloroplasts, so there isn’t an organelle-based compartment for DNA. This arrangement lets the genetic material be instantly accessible for transcription and replication in the cytoplasm.