Describe DNA replication in prokaryotes. Include the major steps for origins of replication, unwinding DNA, and synthesis of new strands. Include at least 1 simplified diagram.

DNA replication in prokaryotes is the process by which a full copy of the DNA is made in order to pass on genetic information to the daughter cells. This process occurs during the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle. Let's break it down into three major steps:

1. Origins of replication: DNA replication starts at specific sites called origins of replication. In prokaryotes, there is usually a single origin of replication, while eukaryotes have multiple origins. At the origin, a protein called initiator binds to the DNA and separates the two strands, forming a replication bubble.

2. Unwinding DNA: Once the replication bubble is formed, an enzyme called helicase unwinds the double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between the nucleotide bases. This creates two replication forks, where the DNA strands separate. Single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) attach to the separated strands to prevent them from re-forming a double helix.

3. Synthesis of new strands: Each template strand is used as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. An enzyme called DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing chain by matching them with the exposed bases on the template strand. DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction, so the new strands are synthesized in opposite directions. The leading strand is synthesized continuously toward the replication fork, while the lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments called Okazaki fragments away from the replication fork.

To recap, in prokaryotes, DNA replication starts at the origin of replication, followed by the unwinding of DNA by helicase. Then, DNA polymerase synthesizes new strands using each template strand, resulting in two identical daughter DNA molecules.

Here is a simplified diagram illustrating the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes:

```
--- DNA helix ----

___________________ ^
| DNA helix | |
------------------- |

Origin
of replication

------------------- |
| DNA helix | |
___________________ v

```