Question
A plasmid DNA and a linear DNA (both are of the same size) have one site for a restriction endonuclease. When cut and separated on agarose gel electrophoresis, plasmid shows one DNA band while linear DNA shows two fragments. Explain.

Answer

A circular DNA opens up to resemble a single linear DNA. A Linear DNA is divided into two fragments after cleavage. Hence, circular DNA shows one band, while linear DNA shows two bands.

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