Eukaryotic DNA replication.

One of the fundamental characteristics of life is the ability of an entity to reproduce itself, which stems from the ability of the DNA molecule to replicate itself. The initiation step of DNA replication, where control over the timing and frequency of replication is exerted, is poorly understood in eukaryotes in general, and in mammalian cells in particular. The cis-acting DNA element defining the position and providing control over initiation is the replication origin. The activation of replication origins seems to be dependent on the presence of both a particular sequence and of structural determinants. In the past few years, the development of new methods for identification and mapping of origins of DNA replication has allowed some understanding of the fundamental elements that control the replication process. This review summarizes some of the major findings of this century, regarding the mechanism of DNA replication, emphasizing what is known about the replication of mammalian DNA. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 32/33:1-14, 1999. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.