DNA replication

in prokaryotes

By- Sumit Mandal

ROll No- 2203370004
 INTRODUCTION
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):
1. DNA is a molecule that carries genetic
instructions for the development, functioning,
growth, and reproduction of all known living
organisms.

1. It is a double-stranded helical molecule made

up of nucleotides composed of a sugar-
phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases
(adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine).
DNA REPLICATION
Importance of DNA
DNA replication is the process by replication
which a cell makes an identical
copy of its DNA. Essential for cell division
Genetic inheritance
In prokaryotes, such as bacteria, Adaptation and
DNA replication is a fundamental evolution
process vital for cell division and
genetic inheritance.
Steps of DNA Replication
DNA Replication in prokaryotes E.coli
DNA replication is a semi-conservative process,
where each daughter DNA molecule contains one
original (parental) strand and one newly
synthesized (daughter) strand.
Replication of DNA in E.coli is also known as theta
replication and the process occurs in three main
stages:

1. Initiation
2. Elongation
3. Termination
1. INITIATION OF REPLICATION
DNA replication initiates at specific sites called origins of
replication (oriC) on the bacterial chromosome.
Initiator proteins bind to the oriC, triggering the unwinding
of the DNA double helix and the formation of a replication
bubble.
This leads to the assembly of replication forks, where DNA
polymerases and other enzymes will synthesize new DNA
strands.
2. ELONGATION OF REPLICATION
DNA polymerase III, the main enzyme responsible for DNA
synthesis, adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand in a 5′ to
3′ direction.
The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the direction of
the replication fork movement.
The lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short
fragments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined by
DNA ligase.
RNA primers are synthesized by primase to initiate DNA
synthesis, and DNA polymerase I replaces them with DNA.
3. TERMINATION OF REPLICATION
Replication terminates when replication forks from opposite
directions meet or reach specific termination sequences.
Tus protein binds to termination sites (ter sites), halting the
progression of replication forks.
As a result, two complete daughter DNA molecules are
formed, each identical to the parental DNA molecule.
ENZYMES INVOLVED
IN REPLICATION
DNA polymerase III: Synthesizes new DNA strands by adding
nucleotides in a complementary manner.
DNA polymerase I: Involved in removing RNA primers and filling the
gaps with DNA.
Primase: Synthesizes RNA primers necessary for DNA polymerase to
start replication.
DNA ligase: Joins Okazaki fragments and seals nicks in the sugar-
phosphate backbone.
Helicase: Unwinds the DNA double helix ahead of the replication
fork to facilitate replication.
REGULATION OF
DNA REPLICATION
DNA replication is tightly regulated to ensure
accuracy and prevent errors.
Regulatory proteins control the timing and
frequency of replication initiation.
Checkpoints monitor DNA integrity and coordinate
the progression of replication with other cellular
processes.
CONCLUSION
DNA replication in prokaryotes is a precisely coordinated
process essential for cell viability and genetic stability.
Understanding the mechanisms of DNA replication
provides insights into fundamental biological processes
and offers opportunities for medical and biotechnological
advancements.
Further research into prokaryotic DNA replication
promises to deepen our understanding of microbial
biology and facilitate the development of novel
therapeutic interventions.
Thank you!