The document summarizes DNA replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In prokaryotes, DNA replication begins at a single point and proceeds bidirectionally along the circular chromosome. In eukaryotes, replication begins at many sites and also proceeds bidirectionally along the linear chromosomes, which are packaged into nucleosomes and further condensed into chromatin. The semi-conservative model of replication is described, in which the parental DNA strands separate and each serves as a template for a new complementary strand.