Chapter 18, Problem 1Q

Summary Introduction

To review:

The comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication processes.

Introduction:

Replication is the process through which two identical copies of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule is produced. It is a common process in all the living organisms. DNA is the biological molecule, which is passed on from one generation to another.

Explanation of Solution

There are several similarities and differences between the replication processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes because of the differences in the complexity and the size of DNA molecules. The differences in the replication of prokaryotes and eukaryotes are as follows:

Replication in prokaryotes	Replication in eukaryotes
In prokaryotes, there is single origin of replication.	In eukaryotes, there are multiple origins of replication.
Replication takes place in opposite directions.	Replication takes place in a single direction.
There are fivetypes of prokaryotic DNA polymerases.	There are 15 types of eukaryotic polymerases.
Replication in prokaryotes takes place at a faster pace.	Replication takes place slowly in eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes do not have different enzymes for the synthesis of ends.	Eukaryotes have different enzymes and process for replicating the ends of chromosomes.
Replication takes place continuously.	Replication takes place in the S(synthesis) phase of the cell cycle only.
Replication takes place in the cytoplasm.	Replication in eukaryotes takes place in the nucleus.
DNA gyrase is required for releasing supercoiling.	DNA gyrase is not required.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that there are several differences in the replication process in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, such as replication in prokaryotes takes place in the cytoplasm and takes place continuously, whereas in eukaryotes, replication takes place in the nucleus and occurs in S phase. There are fivepolymerases in prokaryotes, whereas in eukaryotes, there are 15 polymerases. DNA gyrase is required in prokaryotes. There are multiple origins of replication in eukaryotes, whereas there is single origin of replication.