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Why does supercoiled plasmid often travel a different distance than linear DNA?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: Compact shape changes migration

A plasmid is DNA, so it carries charge and can move through an agarose gel under an electric field. However, DNA molecules with the same length may not move at the same speed if their shapes differ. A supercoiled plasmid is tightly compacted, whereas linear DNA is more extended. The compact form can pass through the gel pores differently and therefore travel a different distance.

For this reason, an uncut plasmid may show several forms, such as supercoiled, nicked circular, or linear DNA, with different mobilities. Its position should not be used for a simple size estimate without caution. Option A correctly identifies compact shape as the cause. The plasmid is not a protein or enzyme, and it is not uncharged, so options B, C, and D are incorrect.

Related tags

Supercoiled PlasmidLinear DnaGel Mobility

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