origin of replication complex (origin recognition complex, ORC)

Function

• binds to origin of DNA replication & with help from two further protein factors (Cdc6 & Cdt1), load the minichromosome maintenance protein complex to form the pre-replication complex
• once assembled, the pre-replication complex unwinds, & begins to copy DNA

Structure

• heterohexamer
• subunits origin recognition complex subunit 1 origin recognition complex subunit 2 origin recognition complex subunit 3 origin recognition complex subunit 4 origin recognition complex subunit 5 origin recognition complex subunit 6

More general terms

• molecular complex
• DNA-binding protein

Additional terms

• origin of replication

Component of

• pre-replication complex