What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of Differentiation
Prokaryotic DNA Replication
Eukaryotic DNA Replication

Definition
Is a process by which a prokaryotic organism duplicates its DNA into another copy, which is passed on to daughter cells
Is a process by which an eukaryotic organism duplicates its DNA into another copy before cell division

Type of DNA involved in the process
Circular, double-stranded DNA 
Linear, double-stranded DNA with ends

Location where replication takes place
Takes place in the cytoplasm
Takes place in the nucleus

Occurrence
Is a continuous process
Occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle

Amount of DNA
Small amount of prokaryotic DNA
Relatively larger amount of eukaryotic DNA – as much as 50 times more than the amount of prokaryotic DNA

Origin of replication
Comprises of a single origin of replication 
Comprises of multiple – more than 1000 – origins of replication

Rate of replication 
Is a rapid process, with about 2000 nucleotides added per second
Is a relatively slow process with around 100 nucleotides added per second

Result of replication 
Final product is 2 circular chromosomes
Final product is 2 sister chromatids

Packaging 
DNA forms loop-like structures by wrapping around histone-like protein molecules
DNA forms nucleosomes - shows higher order packaging

DNA Polymerases involved in the process
DNA polymerase I and III
DNA polymerase α, δ, and ε

DNA Gyrase requirement
Is required
Is not required

Size of okazaki fragments 
Large, around 1000-2000 nucleotides in length
Small, around 100-200 nucleotides in length

Basis of Differentiation	Prokaryotic DNA Replication	Eukaryotic DNA Replication
Definition	Is a process by which a prokaryotic organism duplicates its DNA into another copy, which is passed on to daughter cells	Is a process by which an eukaryotic organism duplicates its DNA into another copy before cell division
Type of DNA involved in the process	Circular, double-stranded DNA	Linear, double-stranded DNA with ends
Location where replication takes place	Takes place in the cytoplasm	Takes place in the nucleus
Occurrence	Is a continuous process	Occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle
Amount of DNA	Small amount of prokaryotic DNA	Relatively larger amount of eukaryotic DNA – as much as 50 times more than the amount of prokaryotic DNA
Origin of replication	Comprises of a single origin of replication	Comprises of multiple – more than 1000 – origins of replication
Rate of replication	Is a rapid process, with about 2000 nucleotides added per second	Is a relatively slow process with around 100 nucleotides added per second
Result of replication	Final product is 2 circular chromosomes	Final product is 2 sister chromatids
Packaging	DNA forms loop-like structures by wrapping around histone-like protein molecules	DNA forms nucleosomes - shows higher order packaging
DNA Polymerases involved in the process	DNA polymerase I and III	DNA polymerase α, δ, and ε
DNA Gyrase requirement	Is required	Is not required
Size of okazaki fragments	Large, around 1000-2000 nucleotides in length	Small, around 100-200 nucleotides in length

What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication?

Posted May 27, 2022