Semiconservative replication results in each new DNA molecule containing what?

• A. Not enough information
• B. False
• C. Partially true
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Semiconservative replication means every new DNA molecule is made with one strand that came from the original molecule and one newly synthesized strand. As the double helix unwinds, each parental strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand, so the two daughter molecules each contain one old strand and one new strand. This arrangement preserves half of the parental DNA in each daughter and is the basis for the statement being true. The Meselson–Stahl experiments later provided clear evidence for this model by showing the presence of DNA molecules with one old and one new strand after replication.