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Why is DNA Replication said to be Semiconservative?

Answer – DNA replication is said to be semiconservative as the end result of that process consists of one of the original strands of the DNA helix along with a new one.

Explanation:

DNA, as it is in eukaryotic cells, has a double helix structure, with two individual strands of DNA wrapped around in each other. When DNA replication takes place, these two strands unravel and each forms the template for the creation of a new DNA strand. Once the new strands are produced, each of them intertwines with one of the old strands, resulting in two new DNA double helices.

Thus, a result of DNA replication is a double helix composed of one old strand and a new one. Since this process retains a strand of the original DNA helix, it is said to be semiconservative.

Popular Questions

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