Question

Which of the following regarding DNA replication, is/are correct?

• A. Both the strands of the parental DNA double helix serve as templates
• B. On the template with polarity 3’$\to$5’, replication is continuous
• C. On the template with polarity 5’$\to$3’, replication is discontinuous
• D. All the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D

All the above

During DNA replication, both the strands of the parental DNA double helix serve as templates. A template strand is simply the strand from which a new complementary strand is synthesised. Complementary to the 3'$\to$5’ template, the leading strand is synthesised along the 5'$\to$3’ direction. The lagging strand is synthesised discontinuously, and complementary to the 5’$\to$3’ template. Ultimately, one round of DNA replication results in the splitting of a single parental DNA molecule to form two daughter DNA double helices, exactly identical to the parental DNA.