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Question

Which statement is true for DNA replication?

A
Semi discontinuous and unidirectional
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B
Semi discontinuous, semi-conservative and bidirectional
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C
Continuous, conservative and bidirectional
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D
Continuous and unidrectional
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Solution

The correct option is B Semi discontinuous, semi-conservative and bidirectional
When the double helix of DNA unwinds, DNA replication on one of the two strands (3' to 5' stand) can easily proceed continuously in 5' to 3' direction. The formation of new chain always takes place in 5'– 3' direction. As a result of this, one chain of DNA is continuously formed and it is termed as leading strand. The formation of second chain is discontinuous and is made up of small segments called Okazaki fragments. This discontinuous chain is termed as lagging strand. Ultimately, all these segments joined together and a complete new chain is formed. This behaviour where the leading strand is synthesized continuously and the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously is called semi-discontinuous replication.

DNA replication is said to be semi-conservative because of the process of replication, where the resulting double helix is composed of both an old strand and a new strand. Semiconservative replication would produce two copies that each contained one of the original strands and one new strand.

Bidirectional replication involves replicating DNA in two directions at the same time resulting in a leading strand (were replication occurs more rapidly) and a lagging strand (with slower replication).

Hence, DNA replication is semi discontinuous, semi-conservative and bidirectional.

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