Question

Which of the following DNA molecules could serve as an effective template for DNA synthesis?

1) an intact, linear, double-stranded DNA
2) a single-stranded, circular DNA
3) a partially double-stranded DNA
4) an intact, linear single-stranded DNA

- 1,4
- 2
- 1
- 4
- 3

Answer 1

The DNA molecule that could serve as an effective template for DNA synthesis is an intact, linear, double-stranded DNA, in line with semi-conservative replication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options given for DNA molecules that could serve as an effective template for DNA synthesis, the correct answer is an intact, linear, double-stranded DNA. DNA replication occurs with the help of several enzymes, including DNA polymerase, unwinding the helix and using the separated strands as templates to synthesize new complementary strands.

This process is known as semi-conservative replication, where each new DNA molecule consists of one strand from the parent molecule and one newly synthesized strand. An intact, linear single-stranded DNA cannot serve as an effective template on its own, as it lacks a complementary strand for the base pairing necessary during replication.