Basis of differentiation | Eukaryotic DNA | Prokaryotic DNA |
Location | Eukaryotic DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell, inside the chloroplast and mitochondria | Prokaryotic DNA is found in the cytoplasm of circular plasmids and prokaryotic cells (not found in organelles) |
Copies of genome | Contains of more than one copy of the genome | Consists one copy of the genome |
Shape | Linear shaped and double stranded, with two ends | Occurs as circular shaped chromosomes |
Approximate quantity of genes contained | Contains a large number of genes | Contains a small number of genes |
Presence of introns | Introns are present | Introns are not present |
Speed of DNA replication | DNA replication is slow, around 100 nucleotides per second | DNA replication is rapid, around 2000 nucleotides are added per second |
Packaging | Eukaryotic DNA forms nucleosomes and and shows higher order packaging | Prokaryotic DNA forms loop-like structures by wrapping around histone-like protein molecules |
Presence of transposons | Does not consist of transposons | Consists of transpons |
Size | Size of eukaryotic DNA is typically more than 1 pg | Size of prokaryotic DNA is typically less than 0.1 pg |
Origin of replication | Chromosomes contain many origins of replications (over 1000) | Chromosome has a single origin of replication |
DNA polymerases | Eukaryotic DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerase α, β, γ, δ, and ε | Is carried out by DNA polymerase I, II, and III |
End product of replication | End of replication produces two circular chromosomes | End of replication produces two sister chromatids |