Where does DNA replication take place?

DNA replication takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, as the DNA is located in the chromatin within the nucleus. In prokaryotic cells, which lack a defined nucleus, DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm. Within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, replication occurs at specific sites called origins of replication. Replication begins at these sites and proceeds bidirectionally, creating replication forks where the DNA is unwound and copied.