Discussion Forum 5

Similarities and differences in DNA replication between eukaryotes and prokaryotes

“Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replicate in a semi-conservative manner. However, there

are a few differences between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication based on their

size and complexity in genetic material” (BYJUS, 2021).

Similarities in DNA replication between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

“Both the replication processes occur before nuclear division. The DNA involved in both

processes are double-stranded. The replication occurs in 5’ to 3’ direction. The single-strand

binding proteins stabilizes the unwound DNA. The RNA primer is synthesised by the enzyme

primase. Both the DNA replications are bi-directional” (BYJUS, 2021).

“Unwinding the DNA is accomplished by an enzyme named DNA helicase. Manufacturing new

DNA strands is orchestrated by enzymes called polymerases. Both types of organisms also

follow a pattern called semi-conservative replication. In this pattern, the individual strands of

DNA are manufactured in different directions, producing a leading and a lagging strand. Lagging

strands are created by the production of small DNA fragments called Okazaki fragments that are

eventually joined together. Both types of organisms also begin new DNA strands with a small

primer of RNA” (Taylor, 2019).

Differences in DNA replication between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Contrasts among prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication are generally identified with

contrasts in size and intricacy of the DNA and cells of these organisms. The normal eukaryotic

cell has multiple times more DNA than a prokaryotic cell (Taylor, 2019).

In prokaryotic cells, there is just one starting place, replication happens in two contradicting

headings simultaneously, and happens in the cell cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells then again, have

numerous starting places, and utilize unidirectional replication inside the nucleus of the cell.

Prokaryotic cells have a couple of sorts of polymerases, while eukaryotes have at least four

(Taylor, 2019).

Replication additionally occurs at a lot quicker rate in prokaryotic cells, than in eukaryotes. A

few microbes require just 40 minutes, while animal cells, for example, people may require as

long as 400 hours. Moreover, eukaryotes additionally have a particular interaction for

reproducing the telomeres at the closures of their chromosomes. With their round chromosomes,

prokaryotes have no finishes to integrate. Finally, the short replication in prokaryotes happens

ceaselessly, yet eukaryotic cells just go through DNA replication during the S-period of the cell

cycle (Taylor, 2019).

Are the changes in eukaryotes adaptations? Explain.

I beileve those changes in eukaryotes cell are adaptation, so they can enhance cellular

transportation. Bartee (2016) stated that “the large size of these cells would not be possible

without these adaptations.” It also said that “cell size is limited because volume increases much

more quickly than does cell surface area. As a cell becomes larger, it becomes more and more
difficult for the cell to acquire sufficient materials to support the processes inside the cell,

because the relative size of the surface area across which materials must be transported declines”

(Bartee, 2016).

Reference

Bartee, L. (2016, May 18). Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. Pressbooks.

https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/mhccmajorsbio/chapter/comparing-prokaryotic-and-

eukaryotic-cells/

Biologyexams4u. (2014, May 4). Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic DNA

replication [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLhwrFEtDEs

BYJUS. (2021, March 22). Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication.

https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-replication/

Taylor, S. (2019, March 2). Comparing & Contrasting DNA Replication in Prokaryotes &

Eukaryotes. Sciencing. https://sciencing.com/comparing-contrasting-dna-replication-

prokaryotes-eukaryotes-13739.html