Bacterial DNA is often supercoiled, or twisted onto itself. Topoisomerase II relaxes the DNA so that it is more accessible to other proteins needed for replication. 
Topoisomerase II is also called DNA gyrase.

Topoisomerase II

The origin of replication is the DNA nucleotide sequence where DNA replication initiates. In  *E. coli*, this is called *oriC*. Proteins bind to the origin of replication to initiate DNA replication in bacteria. It is typically an Adenine-Thymine rich sequence. Because the origin of replication is an A-T rich region, this aids in separating the DNA strands because they contain one less hydrogen bond compared to G-C base pair hydrogen bonding interactions.

Origin of Replication

DNA Polymerase (pol III) is needed for DNA synthesis. It adds the DNA nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction to build the complementary strand of DNA.

DNA Polymerase III 

Initiation of DNA replication requires many proteins to interact with DNA to begin replication. Prokaryotes have a single DNA sequence to begin DNA replication. 
Important terms in prokaryotic initiation:
- Origin of replication
- Topoisomerase II
- DNA Polymerase III

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DNA replication in bacteria occurs rapidly at approximately 1000 nucleotides per second, which is approximately ten times the speed of eukaryotes. It also occurs at a single origin to begin replication.

DNA Replication in Prokaryotes

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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Initation of DNA Replication in Prokaryotes

Termination of replication occurs after the chromosome has been replicated. Uniquely in prokaryotes, topoisomerase IV is important in the termination of DNA replication. 
Key term in prokaryotic termination of replication:
- Topoisomerase IV

Termination of DNA Replication in Prokaryotes

Elongation of DNA replication requires adding the DNA bases of the elongating strands. The primers introduced in initiation are also removed. 
Key terms in prokaryotic elongation:
- DNA Polymerase I

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