Prokaryote Chromosomes and Plasmids

Most prokaryotes store their DNA in one circular chromosome inside the nucleoid, a region of cytoplasm. This chromosome is double-stranded and tightly wound, or supercoiled, so it fits efficiently inside the cell. Prokaryotes also carry smaller circular DNA pieces called plasmids.

Plasmids often ...

Like more complex organisms, prokaryotes use double stranded DNA as their genetic material. However, these unicellular organisms organize and store DNA differently.

The prokaryote cell has no true membrane-bound nucleus. Instead, an area of the cytoplasm, the nucleoid, houses the entire genome in one looped and double stranded chromosome....