Which of the following is not a characteristic feature of plasmids?

Single-stranded

The correct answer is Option (3) - Single-stranded

A plasmid is an extrachromosomal DNA molecule, meaning it exists outside the main chromosomal DNA of a cell. It is double-stranded, not single-stranded, and typically has a circular structure. Plasmids are capable of self-replication, which means they can replicate independently of the bacterial chromosome. This property allows them to be inherited by new cells during cell division.

Plasmids are commonly found in bacterial cells and occasionally in some yeasts. They often carry genes that provide advantages to the host cell, such as antibiotic resistance. The discovery of plasmids has had a significant impact on biotechnology because they serve as valuable tools in genetic engineering, particularly for the cloning and manipulation of genes. Researchers can insert desired genes into plasmids and use them to introduce these genes into other cells, making plasmids essential for genetic research and biomedical advancements.