The initiation of DNA replication begins at defined origins of replication, which is common across the three domains of life - prokaryotes, eukaryotes and archaea. Origins differ across the domains in number and structure, as well as in the machinery that controls it. Viruses also initiate replication of the genome using its own defined origins, although alternative mechanisms of initiation are highly represented - homologous recombination or transcription. The aim of this seminar was to become acquainted with the experimental approach of studying the dynamics of replication and characterization of the origin of replication, and mostly to become familiar with alternative ways of initiation of replication in more complex organism than viruses. These are archaea – organisms which are structurally similar to prokaryotes, and which are, by the molecular machinery, similar to eukaryotes. It has been shown that the initiation of replication in ΔoriC mutant of Haloferax volcanii, as well as the viability, depended on the RadA protein which is involved in DNA damage repair by homologous recombination. This suggested that the initiation of replication was stimulated by recombination. Additional research of the DNA replication machinery involved in this mechanism of replication is required. Also, it will be necessary to analyze the DNA regions where D-loop or R-loop could be created. Furthermore, the purpose of existence of the origin of replication is questionable, since Haloferax volcanii cells showed better growth without origins of replication. It is very likely that the origins of replication are selfish genetic elements that took control of previously polyploid organisms throughout the evolution.