Which statement captures a key difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic DNA replication?

Introduction / Context:
Genome size and chromatin organization impose distinct constraints on replication strategies in eukaryotes versus prokaryotes. Understanding origin usage and replisome dynamics is fundamental to cell biology and biotechnology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Eukaryotic genomes are large, linear, and packaged with histones.
• Prokaryotic genomes are typically a single circular chromosome.
• Both systems rely on priming, polymerization, and ligation.

Concept / Approach:
The hallmark difference is origin usage: eukaryotic chromosomes fire many origins to complete S phase efficiently, while most bacteria use one (or very few) origins per chromosome, commonly oriC, with two forks moving bidirectionally.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
DNA combing and replication timing maps in eukaryotes reveal origin clusters; bacterial replication proceeds bidirectionally from oriC, supporting the stated difference.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Eukaryotic polymerases faster: typically not; bacterial elongation is faster.
• Fewer polymerases in eukaryotes: opposite of reality.
• No RNA primers in eukaryotes: incorrect; primase generates RNA primers in both.
• Prokaryotes unidirectional: most are bidirectional.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming primer independence for eukaryotes or conflating number of polymerases with speed.

Final Answer:
Eukaryotic chromosomes have multiple origins of replication