Answer:
Three theoretical models for the replication of DNA had been proposed in the past. Out of these, the method of semi-conservative replication is most widely accepted.
Conservative replication: In this method, no DNA unwinding takes place. The parent DNA gives rise to daughter DNA.
Dispersive Method: In this method, the chains in the DNA molecule break and recombination occurs randomly. The daughter and parent strands will have segments of recombinant DNA.
Semi- conservative: In this method, the two strands of the double helix unwind. Each strand acts as a template for the synthesis of a new strand.
DNA replication is more complex in eukaryotes as compared to prokaryotes. Prokaryotes have a single point of origin from where the replication begins. Eukaryotes have multiple points of origin. Eukaryotic cells have a unidirectional method of replication whereas prokaryotes do not. Prokaryotes just have two polymerases whereas eukaryotes have more than four. The replication rate is faster in prokaryotes.
