Replication Licensing

**Semantic type:** Genetic Function

**Definition:** A process that limits duplication of the genome to once per cell division cycle. In eukaryotes replication origins are limited to a single initiation event during G1 by temporally separating the assembly of the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) from the initiation of DNA synthesis. An elaborate mechanism regulates the ordered loading of proteins at replication origins which convert a poised, but inactive, minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex into an enzymatically active helicase.