Question

In the Meselson-Stahl experiment, what hypothetical form of DNA replication results in the same DNA density distribution as the semiconservative method after the first cell division, but was not supported upon the second cell division?

Answer 1

The dispersive mode of replication

Step-by-step explanation:

The Meselson and Stahl experiment was performed in 1958 to determine the mode of replication that is either through conservative, semiconservative or dispersive mode.

During generation 1, only one band was observed but between the two densities of nitrogen. This showed that the intermediate band will be formed either through the dispersive or semi-conservative mode.

To know this, the bands formed during the generation 2 was obtained and showed that the density of one band was higher than the intermediate and the other was normal. This showed that the DNA replicates by semiconservative mode and not dispersive mode.

Thus, The dispersive mode of replication is the correct answer.