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Multiple Choice
Why is DNA replication considered to be semi-conservative?
A
Each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.
B
DNA replication occurs only in one direction along the DNA strand.
C
Each new DNA molecule is composed entirely of new strands.
D
DNA replication results in two completely identical molecules.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself. This is crucial for cell division, allowing each new cell to have a complete set of DNA.
Learn about the semi-conservative model: The semi-conservative model of DNA replication suggests that each of the two new DNA molecules will have one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Explore the experimental evidence: The semi-conservative nature of DNA replication was demonstrated by the Meselson-Stahl experiment, which used isotopic labeling to show that after replication, each DNA molecule consisted of one old and one new strand.
Differentiate from other models: Contrast the semi-conservative model with the conservative model (where the original DNA molecule is conserved and a completely new molecule is synthesized) and the dispersive model (where both strands of the DNA are a mix of old and new DNA).
Conclude why DNA replication is semi-conservative: The semi-conservative model is supported by experimental evidence and explains how genetic information is accurately passed on during cell division, with each new DNA molecule containing one strand from the original molecule and one newly synthesized strand.