DNA Replication

Question 1

What are the steps of semi-conservative replication?

Answer 1

1. The enzyme DNA helicase “unwinds” the double helix as the hydrogen bonds between the bases are broken, seperating the two strands
2. Original strand acts as a template strand and free floating neucleotides are attracted to the exposed bases on the template strand and attach through complimentary base pairing
3. DNA polymerase joins them toghether with phosphodiester bonds, and a new stand is formed

Question 2

What is conservative replication?

Answer 2

half the DNA are from the “parent” template strand and the other half of DNA is from the neucleoplasm