Prokaryotic Sigma and Theta Replication

Paper Summary:

This paper studies in-depth the mechanism of sigma and theta replication in prokaryotes. The paper introduces the topic with a short historical overview of all the discoveries that lead to the current level of understanding in the mechanism of sigma and theta replication in prokaryotes. Then, the paper provides a detailed description of both mechanisms, including relevant current research, illustrations and a discussion about the importance of future research.

From the Paper:

"Replication of DNA is the process upon which all life depends. Replication of DNA is the process in which original DNA strands are used as templates for the synthesis of new DNA strands. In the last century many discoveries have lead to a tremendous advancement in understanding the molecular bases of replication. The first step was made in 1939, when Emmons and Hollander proofed that DNA is the critical component essential for cell survival, by demonstrating that the UV-activation spectra for cell survival was identical to the absorption spectra of DNA and RNA (Zannis-Hadjopoulos, 1). Following this milestone, Kornberg isolated DNA-Polymerase from E.coli. Another major piece of the puzzle was provided by Watson and Crick in 1953, which described the structure of DNA as right-handed, double stranded helix capable of self-replication. Their Hypothesis on DNA-Replication was later validated by consequent research (Prescott, 229). Current knowledge of DNA-Replication has been derived from the study of eukaryotic and prokaryotic Animal Models. In the late 1950s Meselson and Stahl showed that DNA replication results in two double stranded helices, each made up of an original parental strand and a newly made daughter strand. Arthur Kornberg developed methods, which enabled researchers to synthesize bacterial DNA in vitro. The isolation and use of ts mutants enabled Researchers to identify the components required for DNA replication. One of the earliest techniques used to understand the mechanism of replication was DNA fiber autoradiography, first employed by Cairns in prokaryotes in 1966 (Zannis-Hadjopoulos, 3). These early studies showed that DNA Replication proceeds according to universal basic rules, from the simplest to the most complex genome (Zannis-Hadjopoulos, 3). Coordination of replication is achieved via cellular regulation of replication. There are 3 general types of replication: Linear, Sigma and Theta Replication."

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