Question

Why is DNA replication called semiconservative?

• A. Daughter strands are dispersive
• B.
  Both strands of new molecule are synthesised de nova
• C. Only non parent strand acts as template
• D. One of the strand in each new molecule is parental and the other is new

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Semiconservative DNA replication:

1. Two parental strands are present before replication.
   
2. In DNA replication, the parent strands separate and act as a template for the synthesis of new strand.
   
3. Therefore, each new copy of DNA produced will have one old parental strand and the other new strand.
   
4. Thus after every round of replication, there are two DNA molecules produced where each of them have a single parental and a newly synthesized strand.
   
5. Since only one out of the two parents is conserved between the two strands, it is called semiconservative DNA replication. ​