Explain the process of prokaryotic DNA replication

DNA replication is semi-conservative and occurs in the 5' to 3' direction. In the lagging strand it is discontinuous (forming Okazaki fragments) and in the leading strand it is continuous.
1) First, the enzyme helicase unwinds the two antiparallel DNA strands by breaking hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (using energy from ATP)2) Single stranded binding proteins help to keep the strands apart3) Next, the enzyme DNA primase makes RNA primers on the template strand4) DNA polymerase III then adds complementary bases to the open template strands, starting from the RNA primers5) DNA polymerase I then removes the RNA primers with the correct DNA bases6) DNA ligase joins together the Okazaki fragments

PK
Answered by Pragna K. Biology tutor

2115 Views

See similar Biology IB tutors

Related Biology IB answers

All answers ▸

What are the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? State the name and the function of structures found exclusively in eukaryotes.


Outline the first three levels of protein structure, including the types of bonding within each


How does vaccination work?


Describe the process of meiosis


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning