Final answer:
DNA replication in prokaryotes involves theta and rolling-circle mechanisms, which are bidirectional and unidirectional respectively. Eukaryotic replication, with multiple origins and linear chromosomes, incorporates telomerase to maintain chromosome ends, distinguishing it from prokaryotic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA replication is a critical process for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In prokaryotes, replication often occurs through processes such as theta replication and rolling-circle replication. The theta replication involves a replication bubble known as the 'theta' shape, which is bidirectional. Rolling-circle replication, on the other hand, occurs unidirectionally and is common in plasmids and some viruses. This process involves a nicking of the DNA strand, with DNA polymerase synthesizing a new strand while displacing the old one.
In eukaryotes, replication is more complex due to their linear chromosomes and the presence of multiple origins of replication. Key enzymes such as DNA polymerase alpha and DNA polymerase delta, similar to prokaryotic polymerases, are involved in the replication process. An additional factor in eukaryotic replication is the role of telomerase, an enzyme which helps maintain the telomeres, or the ends of chromosomes, which would otherwise shorten during each round of replication.
Telomerase adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, which helps prevent loss of genetic information. The occurrence of telomerase is a distinctive difference in the replication of eukaryotic linear DNA as compared to theta replication and rolling-circle replication seen in prokaryotes.