DNA Replication
DNA replication refers to the process of making a copy of DNA so that it can be distributed in two daughter cells. Replications do not occur simultaneously in whole DNA. DNA is divided into some segments in which DNA replication occurs independently. The smallest unit of DNA in which independent events of replication occur is known as Replicon. Also, Replication does not initiate randomly at any point, there is some specific sequence of nitrogen bases where DNA gets opened, Hydrogen bonds between Nitrogen-bases break, and replication starts. This region is known as the Origin of Replication or Ori site in short.
The Ori site is present in the center of Replicon. After DNA gets opened, DNA replication is bi-directional which means replication occurs on both sides of the origin till the endpoints of Replicon. The endpoint of Replicon where replication stops is known as Terminus. One-half of the Replicon is known as the Replication fork. A Replicon consists of two replication forks. DNA Replication is semi-conservative because in new DNA, one strand is new and one strand is old. It is discontinuous because all DNA does not open at once, so every time DNA gets opened, a primer is to be synthesized on a lagging strand. Also, it occurs in a 5′-3′ direction.DNA replication occurs in both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes.
DNA Replication
Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic replication differs a lot in terms of location, accuracy, time taken, enzymes used, etc. The major difference between these two is that in prokaryotes, DNA Replication occurs in the cytoplasm whereas in eukaryotes, DNA Replication occurs in the nucleus. Also, it is faster and more accurate in prokaryotes.
DNA replication is the process in which two identical copies of DNA are formed before cell division. DNA replication occurs in both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. DNA Replication in both of them has many similarities but there are many differences too. This article covers all the key distinctions between them in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Prokaryotic Replication?
- What is Eukaryotic Replication?
- Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication
- DNA Replication
- FAQs on Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication