Gene Expression and Regulation

Eukaryotic genomes, with their larger magnitude and complexity, dictate needing a greater quantity of distinct types of RNA primers compared to the simpler genome of prokaryotic organisms

Prokaryotes replicate their genomic material more rapidly necessitating usage of a higher number of primases compared to those found within eukaryotic counterparts

Eukaryotes possess telomerase, making them capable of using fewer primers than prokaryotes that lack telomerase activity

Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes requiring multiple RNA primers per chromosome whereas Prokaryotes have circular chromosomes generally requiring only single primer initiation event per chromosome

The proofreading function of DNA polymerase.

The initial step performed by helicase enzymes.

The activity of topoisomerase enzymes.

The action of single-stranded binding proteins.

It ensures accurate base-pairing by replacing incorrectly paired bases before finalizing formation on newly synthesized segments.

It synthesizes short segments of RNA primer needed for initiating synthesis on both leading and lagging strands.

It prevents supercoiling by cutting and rejoining one or both strands of the helix ahead or behind the replication fork as necessary.

It seals nicks between adjacent Okazaki fragments on lagging strand after removals and replacement with corresponding deoxyribonucleotide sequences have occurred.

Telomerase

Primase

Topoisomerase

Sliding clamp (PCNA)

It cuts out damaged DNA segments.

It unwinds the double helix.

It joins Okazaki fragments.

It adds nucleotides to a growing DNA strand.

Decreased genetic diversity due to reduced frequency of cellular division.

Increased risk of cancerous growths due to extended cell lifespans and potential loss of genomic stability.

Heightened immune response from rapid T-cell proliferation.

Accelerated aging as a result of premature telomere shortening.

Proofreading function of DNA polymerases

Mismatch repair enzymes post-replication

5' to 3' direction

3' to 5' direction

10' to 30' direction, but only on the lagging strand

Without specificity

The enzyme that synthesizes RNA primers

The process of joining the Okazaki fragments

The point at which DNA unwinds and new strands are synthesized

The region where DNA replication starts

A decreased rate may cause uniformity in phenotypes by increasing particular allele frequencies universally.

A decreased rate could lead to higher genetic diversity by allowing more mutations to be passed on to subsequent generations.

An increased rate would directly increase gene flow between populations facilitating greater diversity.

An increased rate might reduce recombination frequency thus limiting new allele combinations necessary for diversity.