Question

How does DNA replication differ between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

Answer 1

Hint: DNA replication is the process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules from one original DNA molecule. It occurs in all organisms and helps in the inheritance of genes and genetic information.

Complete answer:
DNA is a molecule that contains two polynucleotide chains that run anti-parallel to each other and contains the genetic code of an organism. The replication of DNA occurs during the S phase or Synthesis phase of the cell division process. Through this process, the one strand of the DNA molecule acts as a template strand and is copied and replicated to form two identical DNA strands. This occurs through the action of various enzymes. The replication process begins from a special site called the origin of replication.
The process of DNA replication has some significant differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

DNA replication in Prokaryotes	DNA replication in Eukaryotes
This occurs in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.	This occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
The prokaryotic DNA replication is a continuous process and occurs throughout the cell cycle.	The eukaryotic DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle.
The DNA molecule in prokaryotic cells is double-stranded and circular in shape.	The DNA molecule in eukaryotic cells is double-stranded and linear in shape with ends.
The prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus and have a lesser number of genes.	The eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus and have more number of genes.
It involves a small amount of DNA.	It involves a large amount of DNA.
It is a bidirectional process that proceeds in two directions.	It is a unidirectional process and proceeds in only one direction.
The DNA strand has only one origin of replication.	The DNA strand has multiple origins of replication sites.
The replications begin at one site only.	The replication begins at multiple sites simultaneously.
Only a single replication fork is formed in the process.	Multiple replication forks are formed in this process simultaneously.
They use the enzyme DNA Polymerase I and III for reading the- genetic code and coding for amino acids.	They use the enzyme DNA Polymerase ɑ, δ, and ε for reading the- genetic code and coding for amino acids.
DNA gyrase or topoisomerase enzymes is used for reducing the supercoiling of the DNA.	DNA gyrase or topoisomerase is not required.
The Okazaki fragments formed after the replication on the lagging strand are large and have 1000-2000 nucleotides in its length.	The Okazaki fragments formed from the lagging strand are small and have 100-200 nucleotides in their length.
The rate of prokaryotic DNA replication is 1000 base pairs per second.	The rate of eukaryotic DNA replication is approximately 100 base pairs per second.
It is a rapid process.	It is a comparatively slower process.
It produces two circular double-stranded DNA molecules in which one strand is the newly synthesized strand, and the other is the parental strand.	It produces two linear double-stranded DNA molecules in which one strand is newly synthesized, and the other is the parental strand.
Most prokaryotes do not have histone proteins. The DNA here supercoils around itself to reduce its space.	The eukaryotic DNA is wrapped around the histone proteins to form the nucleosome structure.
DNA polymerase enzyme is used for the removal of RNA primers.	RNase H enzyme is used for the removal of RNA primers.
It occurs in the prokaryotic cells of archaea and bacteria.	It occurs in the eukaryotic cells of all plants and animals.

Note: The prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication has various similarities as well. They both occur before a nuclear division. Replication occurs in the 5’-3’ direction and is a semi-discontinuous process. They both involve a double-stranded DNA molecule- and produce two strands- a leading strand and a lagging strand.