Final answer:
The false statement about DNA methylation in eukaryotes is that immediately after DNA replication, each daughter helix contains one methylated DNA strand corresponding to the newly synthesized strand. In reality, it's the parental strand that is already methylated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which statement about DNA methylation in eukaryotes is false. The statements given are:
- (a) Appropriate inheritance of DNA methylation patterns involves maintenance methyltransferase.
- (b) DNA methylation involves a covalent modification of cytosine bases.
- (d) Immediately after DNA replication, each daughter helix contains one methylated DNA strand, which corresponds to the newly synthesized strand.
Examining the options provided:
- Statement (a) is true, as the correct inheritance of methylation patterns is crucial and does involve enzymes such as maintenance methyltransferases.
- Statement (b) is also true, as methylation directly targets the cytosine bases within the DNA molecule.
- However, statement (d) is false. After DNA replication, the parental (original) DNA strand retains its methylation pattern and the newly synthesized strand lacks methylation until it is later methylated by maintenance methyltransferase enzymes to restore the symmetrical methylation pattern.