DNA Replication is a Semi-Conservative Process
Definition
Semi-conservative replication
When each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
- When DNA replicates, the two strands of the double helix separate.
- Each original strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand, which results in two identical DNA molecules, each containing one old strand and one new strand.
- This method ensures that genetic information is preserved with high fidelity during cell division.
- "Parents share, kids pair."
- Each parent strand is shared with a new complementary strand in the daughter molecules.
How Complementary Base Pairing Ensures High Accuracy
- Template-Driven Synthesis
- DNA polymerase reads the template strand.
- For each base on the template, DNA polymerase adds the complementary nucleotide to the new strand.
- Hydrogen Bonding as a Quality Check
- Correct base pairs form stable hydrogen bonds (A-T or C-G).
