Question

When we say that DNA replication is semiconservative, we mean that

a) parental DNA stays in the parent cell and daughter DNA ends up in the daughter cell.
b) contains two newly synthesized daughter strands.
c) when DNA is replicated, each new double helix contains one parental strand and one newly synthesized daughter strand.
d) when DNA is replicated, one double helix contains both parental strands and one double helix contains two newly synthesized daughter strands.
e) only half of an organism's DNA is replicated during each cell division.

Answer 1

DNA replication is semiconservative, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one original parental strand and one new daughter strand.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we say that DNA replication is semiconservative, we mean that c) when DNA is replicated, each new double helix contains one parental strand and one newly synthesized daughter strand. During this process, the parental strands act as templates for the creation of new complementary strands. Each resulting DNA molecule thus consists of one 'old' parental strand and one 'new' daughter strand. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parental DNA, essential for maintaining genetic continuity across generations.