Semi-conservative replication

Question 1

Why is DNA replication semi-conservative?

Answer 1

Because one strand from the original DNA molecule is conserved as well as a new strand created.

Question 2

What is the first step of semi-conservative replication?

Answer 2

DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the complementary base pairs, separating the 2 polynucleotide strands creating a replication fork.

Question 3

What is the second step of semi-conservative replication?

Answer 3

The exposed bases on the template strand attract free nucleotides to form new complementary base pairs.

Question 4

What is the third step of semi-conservative replication?

Answer 4

DNA polymerase catalyses the condensation reactions to reform the sugar phosphate backbone moving in a 3’ to 5’ direction.