Question

Determine whether the characteristics describe DNA replication in prokaryotes only, eukaryotes only, or both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. DNA polymerase synthesizes the new DNA strand. Replication occurs in the nucleus. DNA is synthesized in a 5′ to 3′ direction. There is one origin of replication. Replication occurs in the cytoplasm. There are multiple origins of replication.

Answer 1

Answer:  The given statements are corresponding to prokaryotes and eukaryotes are in the following manner-

1) DNA polymerase synthesizes the new DNA strand- In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is the enzyme that uses a template strand of orginal DNA and synthesizes a new strand using dNTPs ( deoxyribonucleosid triphosphates).

2) Replication occurs in the nucleus- In eukaryotes only. This is because nucleus is absent in prokaryotes.

3) DNA is synthesized in the direction 5′ to 3′ direction- In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

4) There is one origin of replication- In prokaryotes only.

5) Replication occurs in the cytoplasm- In prokaryotes only. This is because nucleus is absent in prokaryotes and thus their genetic material is present in the cytoplasm.

6)  Multiple origins of replication- In eukaryotes only. Multiple origin of replication are present so that the large genetic material can be replicated in lesser time when it initiates at different sites.