Question

During replication of a bacterial chromosome, DNA synthesis starts from a replication origin site from there

• A. RNA primers are involved.
• B. Is facilitated by telomerase.
• C. Moves in one direction of the site.
• D. Moves in bi-directional way.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Moves in bi-directional way.

• Unlike the linear DNA of vertebrates, typical bacterial chromosomes contain circular DNA.
• The replication process starts at a site called the origin. But instead of replicating in one direction around the chromosome, it replicates in two directions. This is called bidirectional replication as two replication forks move in opposite directions away from the origin.
• The forks will meet at the bottom of the chromosome and replication is terminated as the two chromosomes separate.
• The bacterial chromosome is also capable of initiating multiple replication forks.

So the correct answer is option D.