How does DNA replication differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

• A. Prokaryotic DNA replication occurs in the nucleus, while eukaryotic replication occurs in the cytoplasm.
• B. Prokaryotic DNA replication requires more enzymes than eukaryotic replication.
• C. Prokaryotic DNA replication is faster and involves a single origin of replication, whereas eukaryotic replication is slower and involves multiple origins.
• D. Eukaryotic DNA replication uses RNA primers, while prokaryotic replication does not.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic structure of DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic cells typically have a single, circular chromosome, while eukaryotic cells have multiple, linear chromosomes.
2. Identify the location of DNA replication in both cell types. In prokaryotes, DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm, as they lack a nucleus. In eukaryotes, replication occurs in the nucleus.
3. Examine the number of origins of replication. Prokaryotic DNA replication begins at a single origin of replication, whereas eukaryotic DNA replication starts at multiple origins along each chromosome.
4. Consider the speed of replication. Prokaryotic DNA replication is generally faster due to the simpler structure and fewer regulatory mechanisms compared to eukaryotic replication.
5. Review the role of RNA primers. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication use RNA primers to initiate synthesis, but the statement in the problem is incorrect in suggesting that prokaryotic replication does not use RNA primers.