Question

Prokaryotic organisms have a single origin of replication, whereas eukaryotic organisms have many origins where replication occurs simultaneously. Which of the following is the most probable reason for this observation?

Prokaryotes do not replicate their DNA.
Prokaryotic DNA is single-stranded.
Prokaryotic DNA is much smaller than eukaryotic DNA.
Prokaryotic DNA is replicated more slowly than eukaryotic DNA.

Answer 1

Prokaryotic DNA is much smaller than eukaryotic DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

Origin of replication is the site on DNA where DNA replication can be started. Eukaryotes have a larger DNA than that of prokaryotes. The larger DNA size of eukaryotes poses the need of multiple origin of replications. DNA replication can begin simultaneously on these multiple origin of replication sites. This allows the larger eukaryotic DNA to get replicated quickly.

Smaller DNA of prokaryotes can be replicated with single origin of replication.