Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between the semiconservative model of DNA replication and the conservative model of DNA replication?
A.The semiconservative model states both strands of DNA remain together after replication and the conservative model states both strands separate.


B. The semiconservative model states single-stranded DNA strands are used as a template strand to create newly synthesized DNA strands and the conservative model states only one side is used as a template.


C.The semiconservative model states the DNA strands are randomly paired with a newly synthesized DNA strand and the conservative model states only new strands are paired.


D.The semiconservative model states the two original DNA strands separate and are used as template strands to create newly synthesized DNA strands and the conservative model states the two original strands remain together.

Answer 1

Answer: B.

Explanation: As the DNA double helix is unwound by helicase, replication occurs separately on each template strand in antiparallel directions. This process is known as semi-conservative replication because two copies of the original DNA molecule are produced. Each copy contains one original strand and one newly-synthesized strand.