<P> Extrachromosomal DNA is any DNA that is found outside of the nucleus of a cell . It is also referred to as extranuclear DNA or cytoplasmic DNA . Most DNA in an individual genome is found in chromosomes but DNA found outside of the nucleus also serves important biological functions . </P> <P> In prokaryotes, nonviral extrachromosomal DNA is primarily found in plasmids whereas in eukaryotes extrachromosomal DNA is primarily found in organelles . Mitochondrial DNA is a main source of this extrachromosomal DNA in eukaryotes . Extrachromosomal DNA is often used in research of replication because it is easy to identify and isolate . </P> <P> Extrachromosomal DNA was found to be structurally different from nuclear DNA . Cytoplasmic DNA is less methylated than DNA found within the nucleus . It was also confirmed that the sequences of cytoplasmic DNA was different from nuclear DNA in the same organism, showing that cytoplasmic DNAs are not simply fragments of nuclear DNA . </P>

Where is extranuclear dna located in plant cells