What is the difference between plasmid and episome

They serve as a single-replicating unit due to the presence of an origin of replication. Furthermore, there are two types of plasmids classified based on the ability of conjugation.

Generally, conjugative plasmids contain a set of transfer or tra genes, promoting sexual conjugation. In contrast, non-conjugative plasmids are unable to initiate conjugation. Moreover, there are five classes of plasmids classified by function. They include F-plasmids, which are capable of conjugation, R-plasmids containing genes for antibiotic resistance, Col plasmids, containing genes for bacteriocins and proteins and kill other bacteria, degenerative plasmids enabling the digestion of unusual substances, and virulence plasmids, which turn bacteria into pathogens.

An episome is an integrative plasmid, which is a non-essential, extrachromosomal genetic element same as plasmids in prokaryotes. Generally, plasmids capable of integrating into the genome in prokaryotes are also known as episomes.

However, the integration into the genome allows stable maintenance of the episomal DNA over several generations. As an example, DNA in some viruses such as herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and polyomaviruses serve as episomes.

Figure 2: Plasmids vs Episomes. Furthermore, the F factor, which is an incompatibility group of plasmids, is another example of episomes. Generally, it exists in three states. Also, Hfr cells are the cells with F factors integrated into the genome.

On the other hand, in the F prime state, F factor exists outside the chromosome, but with a section of chromosomal DNA attached to it. Moreover, episomes can be distinguished from other extrachromosomal elements by its large size, which is around 62 kbp.

Genes are made of DNA, and so is the genome itself. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Essay What is the difference between Episome and plasmid?

Ben Davis May 4, What is the difference between Episome and plasmid? Is Episome a plasmid? What is Episome genetics? What are the three types of plasmids? What is importance of plasmid? Can plasmid replicate itself? Do viruses have plasmid? Do viruses DNA? Why do we isolate plasmid DNA? Which is the most used plasmid in R DNA technology?

Can DNA be found outside the nucleus? Is RNA found both inside and outside of the nucleus? Is an extrachromosomal DNA? Are plasmids made of DNA? Do plasmids carry essential genes? Do humans have circular DNA? What cell has circular DNA?

Is yeast DNA circular or linear? What cell has a linear DNA? Do plants have linear DNA? Where is linear DNA found? Is a chromosome bigger than a gene? Does each chromosome have the same DNA? Bergquist, and W. National Library of Medicine, Sept. Bennett, P. Nature Publishing Group, Mar. Samanthi Udayangani holds a B.

Degree in Plant Science, M. Your email address will not be published. Figure Plasmids. Figure Episomes. Comments thank u so much very helpful! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Plasmid vs Episome. Plasmid is a small, circular, double-stranded extrachromosomal DNA molecule of bacteria. Episome is a kind of extrachromosomal DNA which is larger than plasmids. Ability to Self-replicate. It contains the necessary information for self-replication.

It does not contain information for self-replication. Link with Chromosomal DNA. They are unable to link with chromosomal DNA of bacteria. They can be integrated with chromosomal DNA.

Special Genes Encoding. Some genes located in plasmids provide special traits to the bacteria such as antibiotic resistance, heavy metal tolerance, etc. Episomes do not contain special genes.