Figure 1. Model for Formation of Bidirectional Replication Forks.
The Mcm2-7 complex assumes an open form that may be closed by Ctd1, a molecular matchmaker that brings the helicase to ORC and Cdc6 bound to a chromosomal origin. In a concerted reaction, ORC/Cdc6/Cdt1 load two Mcm rings onto duplex DNA in an inactive, head-to-head complex. In a second concerted reaction, assisted by the Dbf4-dependent kinase and the binding of GINS/Cdc45, the double hexamer is converted into a functioning CMG assembly that melts the duplex and separates into two independent replisomes.