Why bacterial chromosome is circular?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Why bacterial chromosome is circular?

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Step 1

Bacteria are single celled microorganisms and their cell structure is simpler than the other organisms. Bacterial cell is gel like matrix, which is composed of enzymes, nutrients, water, gases, and wastes. It contains cell structures such as a chromosome, ribosome, and plasmids. Bacterial cells don’t have the nucleus and that’s why their DNA content is found in the nucleoid, which is a region of cytoplasm without membrane, or as a plasmid.

Step 2

The genetic information of bacterial cells is contained in a single loop of the DNA. They contain circular DNA molecule as most of the prokaryotes and the circular DNA molecule has no free ends. These free ends create challenges to the cells with respect to replication of DNA and stability. Cells that contain chromosomes with free ends or telomeres (as in eukaryotes) have mechanisms to overcome these challenges.

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