Question Details

Mt DNA is

Options

A

simple single stranded circular DNA molecule

B

simple double stranded linear DNA molecule

C

simple double stranded circular DNA molecule

D

simple single stranded linear DNA molecule

Correct Answer :

simple double stranded circular DNA molecule

Solution :

The correct option is "simple double stranded circular DNA molecule".

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the genetic material found inside mitochondria, which are the energy-producing organelles of eukaryotic cells. Unlike the nuclear DNA found in the cell nucleus, which is organized into long, linear chromosomes wrapped around histone proteins, mitochondrial DNA has a much simpler structure that resembles the DNA of prokaryotes (bacteria).

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of its key structural features:
1. Double-stranded: Just like nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA consists of two complementary strands of nucleotides wound around each other in a double helix structure.
2. Circular: Unlike nuclear chromosomes which are linear, the ends of the mitochondrial DNA molecule are covalently closed to form a continuous circle.
3. Simple/Naked: It is considered "simple" because it is generally small, compact, contains very little non-coding DNA (introns), and is not bound to histone proteins, unlike nuclear DNA.

Therefore, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is classified as a simple, double-stranded, circular DNA molecule.

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