Why is DNA replication considered semiconservative?
A) because one strand of new DNA is partially synthesized
B) because each new molecule of DNA contains one leading strand and one lagging strand
C) because each new molecule of DNA contains one parental strand and one new strand
D) because of all these reasons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Semiconservative DNA replication means that each new molecule of DNA contains one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand. This is supported by the Meselson-Stahl experiment, where they labeled the parental DNA with a heavy isotope of nitrogen and then cultured the bacteria in a medium containing a lighter isotope. The resulting DNA molecules had one heavy and one light strand, indicating that DNA replication is semiconservative.

Why Is DNA Replication Considered Semiconservative