Semi-conservative replication means that which of the following is true?

Semi-conservative replication means that which of the following is true?

• A. Each half of an original DNA molecule serves as a template for a new strand, and the two new DNA molecules each have one old and one new strand.
• B. Both strands are conserved and entirely new strands are formed
• C. Both new DNA molecules contain two original strands
• D. Neither new molecule contains any old strand

Answer: (A)

Semi-conservative replication means that after DNA is duplicated, each new double helix contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. As the helix unwinds, each parental strand serves as a template for a complementary new strand, and DNA polymerase builds the new strand in the 5' to 3' direction, producing two daughter molecules that each retain one old strand. This differs from a conservative model, where both old strands would stay together in one daughter and both new strands would form in the other, or a completely dispersive model where neither daughter would retain an intact old strand. So the best description is that each original strand is used as a template and each new molecule ends up with one old and one new strand.

Semi-conservative replication means that after DNA is duplicated, each new double helix contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. As the helix unwinds, each parental strand serves as a template for a complementary new strand, and DNA polymerase builds the new strand in the 5' to 3' direction, producing two daughter molecules that each retain one old strand. This differs from a conservative model, where both old strands would stay together in one daughter and both new strands would form in the other, or a completely dispersive model where neither daughter would retain an intact old strand. So the best description is that each original strand is used as a template and each new molecule ends up with one old and one new strand.