Final answer:
DNA replication in eukaryotic cells is complicated due to having multiple linear chromosomes, as opposed to the single circular chromosome of prokaryotes. This complexity demands multiple origins of replication and careful management of chromatin packaging during the replication process.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA replication in eukaryotic cells is complicated by the fact that eukaryotic cells have linear chromosomes. Unlike prokaryotes, which possess a single circular chromosome, eukaryotes have more complex genomes that include multiple linear chromosomes. DNA replication in eukaryotes begins at multiple origins of replication present on each chromosome, which is necessary to efficiently replicate the large amount of genetic material. Additionally, the linear nature of these chromosomes presents challenges at the ends, or telomeres, during replication.
Eukaryotic DNA is also associated with histone proteins, forming a structure known as chromatin, which can exist in tightly packed forms such as heterochromatin or more loosely packed forms like euchromatin. This higher-order structure of over three billion base pairs in the case of the human genome requires careful unwinding and repacking during the replication process. Overall, the rate of replication in eukaryotes is slower than in prokaryotes, partly due to the need to coordinate this complex packaging of DNA.