Why is DNA synthesis expected to be more complex in eukaryotes than in bacteria?

• A. Eukaryotic DNA is single-stranded, requiring more enzymes for replication.
• B. Eukaryotic cells replicate DNA only during cell division, unlike bacteria.
• C. Eukaryotes have multiple origins of replication on each chromosome.
• D. Eukaryotes use a different set of nucleotides for DNA synthesis.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of eukaryotic and bacterial DNA: Eukaryotic DNA is organized into multiple linear chromosomes, whereas bacterial DNA is typically a single circular chromosome.
2. Recognize the concept of origins of replication: Eukaryotic chromosomes have multiple origins of replication to ensure efficient and timely replication of their larger genomes.
3. Consider the replication machinery: Eukaryotic cells require a more complex set of enzymes and proteins to manage replication across multiple origins and larger chromosomes.
4. Acknowledge the cell cycle: Eukaryotic DNA replication is tightly regulated and occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, adding complexity compared to the continuous replication in bacteria.
5. Reflect on the implications of multiple origins: Multiple origins of replication in eukaryotes allow simultaneous replication of different sections of the chromosome, which is necessary due to the larger size and complexity of eukaryotic genomes.