Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Replication: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic replication differs a lot in terms of
location, accuracy, time taken, enzymes used, etc. The major difference between these two is that in
prokaryotes, DNA Replication occurs in the cytoplasm whereas in eukaryotes, DNA Replication occurs in
the nucleus. Also, it is faster and more accurate in prokaryotes.

DNA replication is the process in which two identical copies of DNA are formed before cell division. DNA
replication occurs in both Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. DNA Replication in both of them has many
similarities but there are many differences too. This article covers all the key distinctions between them
in detail.

Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication

Features

Prokaryotic Replication

Eukaryotic Replication

Location

Cytoplasm

Nucleus

Timing

Anytime before cell division

S-Phase of the cell cycle

Rate

Faster (2000 bp/s)

Slower (100 bp/s)

Enzymes

DNA gyrase, DNA Polymerase III

Helicase, Topoisomerase, DNA Polymerases α, β, ε, γ

Replicons

One

Multiple

Ori Sites

One

Multiple
Terminus

One

Multiple

Okazaki Fragments

Longer (1000-2000 Nucleotides)

Shorter (100-200 Nucleotides)

Accuracy

More accurate

Less accurate