Final answer:
DNA replication in prokaryotes involves unwinding the DNA helix, adding nucleotides with DNA polymerase, and synthesis of the lagging strand in fragments called Okazaki fragments. DNA Helicase, DNA polymerase, and DNA ligase are key enzymes involved in this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of DNA replication in prokaryotes involves several steps and the involvement of different enzymes and proteins. The DNA helix unwinds, breaking the bonds between the base pairs, facilitated by the enzyme DNA Helicase. The enzyme DNA polymerase adds nucleotides one by one to the template strand, creating a complementary new DNA strand. This process occurs simultaneously at several sites on the same DNA molecule. The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments, which are later joined together by the enzyme DNA ligase.