01. The Origin Point
The Circular Blueprint
In prokaryotes, DNA is a circular molecule. Replication begins at a specific sequence called OriC.
Enter the Scissors
Look at Panel 3! The character with the scissors is Helicase. It breaks hydrogen bonds to unzip the DNA.
02. Stabilize & Prime
The Stabilizers
The SSB Proteins (Panel 1) rush in like guards. They hold the separated strands apart so they don't snap back together.
The Starter
DNA Polymerase can't start from nothing! Primase (Panel 3) builds a short RNA Primer to provide the essential 3' end.
03. The Superhero Builder
DNA Polymerase III
Meet the hero (Panel 1). He adds nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction.
Smooth Sailing
On the Leading Strand, he runs continuously toward the fork without interruption.
04. The Tricky Strand
Okazaki Fragments
The other strand runs the opposite way. The builder works in short bursts, creating Okazaki Fragments.
The Cleanup Crew
In Panel 3, DNA Polymerase I (the scientist) removes the RNA primers and replaces them with DNA.
05. The Glue & Finish
DNA Ligase
Finally, Ligase joins the fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds (Panel 2).
NEET Essentials
Replication is Semi-conservative (one old strand, one new) and always moves 5' → 3'.
Quiz 1: Initiation
Instructions
Test your knowledge of the first steps! Click the options to see if you are correct. Green means Go, Red means No.
Quiz 2: Elongation
Focus
Remember the "Superhero" (Pol III) and the "Scientist" (Primase). Directionality is key!
Quiz 3: Termination
Mastery Check
You've reached the end! If you answer these correctly, you are ready for your exam.
Enzyme Dictionary
| OriC | Origin site where replication begins. |
| Helicase | Unzips the double helix. |
| SSB | Stabilizes single strands. |
| Primase | Synthesizes RNA primers. |
| Pol III | Main builder (5' to 3'). |
| Pol I | Removes primers / cleanup. |
| Ligase | Joins Okazaki fragments. |
Course Complete
Congratulations! You have explored the visual story of Prokaryotic DNA Replication and completed the 12-question challenge.