Question

Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication.

Answer 1

The process in which a parent strand of DNA gives rise to two identical copies of DNA is known as DNA replication. This process is semi-conservative and it occurs prior to cell division in both prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic cells.

Complete answer:
Prokaryotic DNA Replication
It refers to the duplication of genomes present in a prokaryotic cell. This DNA can then be transferred to the daughter cells during cell division. Prokaryotic DNA is circular in shape. It is a double stranded DNA which is present in the cytoplasm. There is a single origin of replication forming two replication forks. DNA polymerase III carries out the initiation as well as elongation step while enzyme ligase helps in joining the nicks.

Eukaryotic DNA Replication
The DNA is found in the nucleus. Initiation, elongation and termination are the three steps involved in this process. The unwinding of the double helix and stabilization of the separated strands is carried out by DNA helicase enzyme and single-strand binding proteins respectively. Replication bubble is formed during the DNA replication process.

The major differences in between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication are:

Prokaryotic Replication	Eukaryotic Replication
It takes place in the prokaryotic cells.	It takes place in the eukaryotic cells.
DNA is circular and double-stranded.	DNA is linear and double-stranded.
It occurs in a continuous manner.	It occurs only during the S-phase of cell cycle.
Enzymes involved are DNA polymerase I and III.	Enzymes involved are DNA polymerase $\alpha ,\delta$ and$\varepsilon$.
It occurs in the cytoplasm.	It occurs in the nucleus.
Okazaki fragments formed are large.	Okazaki fragments formed are multiple.
Quantity of DNA is very less.	Quantity of DNA is 50 times greater as compared to the prokaryotic DNA.
Only one origin of replication.	Origins of replication are multiple.
Large Okazaki fragments.	Small Okazaki fragments.
Enzyme DNA gyrase is needed.	Enzyme DNA gyrase is not needed.
It is a rapid process, adding 2000 bp per second.	It is a slow process, adding only 100 bp per second.

Note: DNA replication occurs in ${5'}$ to ${3'}$ direction. Enzyme primase helps in the synthesis of RNA primer for carrying out the replication process. Single-strand binding proteins are used for stabilizing the separated strands of DNA molecules.