Hello Ram,

Thanks for contacting Careers360.

The main difference between plasmid DNA and chromosomal DNA is that the plasmid DNA only contains additional genes not useful for the survival of the organism whereas chromosomal DNA contains all the necessary information for the growth, development, and reproduction of the organism.

Plasmid DNA and chromosomal DNA are two types of DNA mainly found inside living cells. Both encode for the genes. Furthermore, plasmid DNA is a type of extrachromosomal DNA and is not a type of genomic DNA. In fact, only chromosomal DNA is considered as genomic DNA.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Plasmid DNA

-always double stranded

-circular

-introns are not present

-naked without histone

-can replicate without genome



Chromosomal DNA

-may be single stranded/double stranded -circular or linear

-introns + exons present

-coated with histone

-replicates with genome