DNA Replication in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

What initiates DNA synthesis in prokaryotic replication?

Which enzyme joins the Okazaki fragments in prokaryotic DNA replication?

How is replication initiated in eukaryotic cells?

What type of DNA structure is present in prokaryotes?

How does the process of DNA replication differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

What is the role of DNA polymerase I in prokaryotic replication?

What happens to the DNA after replication in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

What feature facilitates the separation of double-stranded DNA during eukaryotic replication?

Replication in Prokaryotes

Replication begins at a specific site on circular DNA called the origin of replication
DNA unwinds and separates via helicase
Single-stranded binding proteins stabilize single-stranded DNA
Primase synthesizes RNA primers to initiate DNA synthesis
DNA polymerase III adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the RNA primer for the new strand
DNA polymerase I removes RNA primers and replaces with DNA
Leading strand is synthesized continuously; lagging strand is synthesized in short Okazaki fragments
Okazaki fragments are joined by DNA ligase

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication is more complex and highly regulated
DNA is linear and packaged into chromatin
Chromatin must be unwound and replicated in a coordinated fashion
Replication begins at multiple origins of replication throughout the genome
Origin recognition complex (ORC) recognizes and binds to origins
Helicase unwinds DNA at each origin, forming replication bubbles
DNA synthesis on the leading strand is continuous; lagging strand is synthesized in Okazaki fragments
RNA primers are removed, and fragments are joined by DNA ligase
Result is two identical linear DNA molecules, each packaged into a chromosome

This quiz covers the fundamental processes of DNA replication in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It highlights key differences, such as the initiation sites, enzymes involved, and the structural complexities of DNA. Test your understanding of how replication is carried out in these two types of organisms.