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Why can an open circular plasmid migrate differently on a gel?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: Its conformation is not compact

The direct answer is A: an open circular plasmid is not as compact as a supercoiled plasmid, so it can migrate differently through an agarose gel. Plasmid DNA can exist in different conformations. A supercoiled molecule is tightly folded, while a nick in one strand relaxes the molecule into an open circular form. During electrophoresis, DNA moves through the gel according to charge, size, and especially shape. Step by step: both molecules are DNA and carry negative charge; their shapes differ; the gel offers resistance differently to each shape; therefore their migration distances need not be the same. A is correct. B is wrong because an open circular plasmid is still DNA, not RNA. C is wrong because plasmid is nucleic acid, not protein. D is wrong because DNA has a negatively charged phosphate backbone. The exact order of conformations can depend on conditions, so compare bands with suitable controls. Memory cue: “same DNA, different shape, different movement.”

Related tags

Open Circular PlasmidGel MobilityConformation

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