DNA

REPLICATIO
N
 Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
 Explain the process of DNA
replication in prokaryotes
 Discuss the role of different
enzymes and proteins in
supporting this process
 DNA Replication
DNA replication is the biological
process of producing two identical
replicas of DNA from one original
DNA molecule. DNA replication
occurs in all living organisms
acting as the basis for biological
inheritance.
 Biological Significance
 extreme accuracy of DNA replication is
necessary in order to preserve the
integrity of the genome in successive
generations
 In prokaryotes , replication only
occurs during the S phase of the cell
cycle and in the cytoplasm of the cell.
Models of Replication

THREE HYPOTHESES FOR DNA REPLICATION

MODELS OF DNA REPLICATION
(a) Hypothesis 1: (b) Hypothesis 2: (c) Hypothesis 3:
Semi-conservative Conservative replication Dispersive replication
replication

Intermediate molecule
 Meselson and Stahl
Conclusion: Semi-conservative replication of DNA
 MODEL OF DNA REPLICATION
(a) Hypothesis 1:
Semi-conservative
replication
 Prokaryotic
DNA Replication
The chromosome of a
prokaryote is a circular
molecule of DNA.
Basic Rules of Prokaryotic
DNA Replication
• Semi-conservative
• Starts at the ‘origin’
• Synthesis always starts in the
5-3’ direction
• bidirectional
• Semi-discontinuous
Semi-
conservative
Replication:

Daughter DNA
molecules contain
one parental strand
and one newly-
replicated strand
 Starts at the ‘Origin’
• Initiator proteins identify
specific base sequences
on DNA called sites of
origin
• Prokaryotes have one
origin site.
In what direction does
DNA Replication occur?

ALWAYS starts in
5-3’ direction
5-3’ direction
Replication fork in prokaryotes
move in both direction.
 Semi-discontinuous
Anti parallel strands replicated
simultaneously
Leading strand synthesis
continuously in 5’– 3’
Lagging strand is synthesized
discontinuously creating
Okazaki fragments in 5’-3’
RNA primers required
 Process
1. DNA unwinds at the origin of
replication.
2. Helicase opens up the DNA-
forming replication forks; these
are extended bi-directionally.
 Process
3. Single-strand binding proteins
coat the DNA around the
replication fork to prevent
rewinding of the DNA.
4. Topoisomerase binds at the
region ahead of the replication fork
to prevent supercoiling.
 Process
5. Primase synthesizes RNA primers
complementary to the DNA strand.
6. DNA polymerase starts adding
nucleotides to the 3’-OH end of the
primer.
7. Elongation of both lagging and the
leading strand continues.
 Process
8. RNA primers are removed by
exonuclease activity.
9. Gaps are filled by DNA pol by
adding dNTP’s.
10. The gap between the two DNA
fragments is sealed by DNA ligase,
which helps in the formation of
phosphodiester bonds.
Review Questions
 Review Questions
Which of the following components is
not involved during the formation of
the replication fork?
a. single-strand binding proteins
b. helicase
c. origin of replication
d. ligase
 Review Questions
Which of the following does the
enzyme primase synthesize?
a. DNA primer
b. RNA primer
c. Okazaki fragments
d. phosphodiester linkage
 Review Questions
In which direction does DNA
replication take place?
a. 5'-3'
b. 3'-5'
c. 5'
d. 3'
 Learning Objectives
 Explain the process of DNA
replication in prokaryotes
 Discuss the role of different
enzymes and proteins in
supporting this process
THANK YOU!
- Tranggay & Abby