logo
AAT Bioquest

How is DNA replication different in prokaryotes compared to eukaryotes?

Posted May 31, 2024


Answer

DNA replication occurs in different areas of the cells in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, this process occurs in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotes it happens within the nucleus. Thus, eukaryotic replication is a more complex process compared to prokaryotic replication due to this compartmentalization. Prokaryotic replication tends to be faster and more precise compared to eukaryotic replication. Prokaryotic DNA replication is a continuous process, while in eukaryotic cells, it occurs during the S-phase of the cell cycle. Prokaryotic cells contain a small amount of DNA, while the DNA content in eukaryotic cells is about 50 times more than in prokaryotic cells. Lastly, eukaryotic genomes are typically much larger than prokaryotic genomes.

Additional resources

Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Replication

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Helixyte™ Green Fluorimetric ssDNA Quantitation Kit *Optimized for Microplate Readers*