NEET Biology
NEETBiologyMolecular Basis of InheritanceClass 12

I keep getting “Semiconservative replication” questions wrong in Molecular Basis of Inheritance. What's the trap?

thinking both strands of a daughter molecule are freshly synthesised.

The usual trap: thinking both strands of a daughter molecule are freshly synthesised. How to avoid it: 'semi' means half-old, half-new in every daughter helix (Meselson-Stahl). Go back to the definition — each new DNA molecule keeps one old (parental) strand and one newly made strand.

Key point

Semiconservative replication

Common mistake

thinking both strands of a daughter molecule are freshly synthesised.

Memory tip

'semi' means half-old, half-new in every daughter helix (Meselson-Stahl).

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