The Watson-Crick model of the DNA double-helix led to the prediction that DNA replication is semi-conservative because
A) the phosphate backbones could be easily broken and rejoined.
B) the double-helix can assume either B-form or Z-form higher order structure before DNA replication.
C) each strand could serve as a template for daughter strand synthesis producing pairs of identical molecules.
D) the hydrogen bonds would stabilize important intermediates that arise during synthesis.
E) it would position the reactive OH favorably for formation of the phosphodiester bond.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Watson-Crick model demonstrated that each strand of DNA could serve as a template for the synthesis of a new daughter strand. Therefore, during DNA replication, each parental strand separates and serves as a template for the synthesis of a complementary daughter strand, resulting in two identical double-stranded molecules. This is known as semi-conservative DNA replication since each of the resulting molecules is composed of one parental strand and one newly synthesized daughter strand.

The Watson-Crick Model of the DNA Double-Helix Led to the Prediction