DNA replication machinery (microorganism)

DNA replication in microorganisms involves a highly regulated, semiconservative process mediated by a multi-enzyme **machinery** (replisome) that duplicates the organism's genetic material before cell division. In bacteria, DNA replication begins at a specific **origin of replication** (oriC in *E. coli*), involves the unwinding of supercoiled DNA by **DNA gyrase** (topoisomerase II) and **helicase**, stabilization of single strands by **single-stranded binding proteins**, primer synthesis by **primase**, and extension by **DNA polymerase III** (leading strand continuous, lagging strand as Okazaki fragments). RNA primers are replaced by **DNA polymerase I** and DNA ends are joined by **DNA ligase**. Termination requires decatenation by topoisomerase IV. This process is essential for cellular proliferation. It is a **therapeutic target** for many antibiotics and anti-infectives, particularly those inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase or polymerases, making it central in **infection therapy and resistance**[1][2][3][4][5][6]. **Important note:** For structured database mapping, individual **enzymes** or complexes (e.g., bacterial DNA gyrase, DNA polymerase III) should be used rather than the broad process "Microorganism DNA replication," which is conceptually correct but not specific to a molecular target[1][2][3][4].

Other names

bacterial DNA replicationprokaryotic DNA replicationDNA replication system/replisome

Inhibition of DNA gyrase/topoisomerase II—preventing DNA supercoiling - Inhibition of DNA polymerases—blocking DNA chain elongation - Induction of double-strand breaks in DNA - Formation of aberrant DNA structures leading to cell death