The Purpose of Hemimethylated DNA is to Block Chromosome Replication

Question

The purpose of hemimethylated DNA is to block chromosome replication.

Accepted Answer

When DNA is replicated, the parental DNA strands separate and serve as a template for the synthesis of new daughter strands. After replication, each daughter strand should be paired with a complementary, fully methylated strand in order to ensure the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Hemimethylated DNA occurs when only one of the daughter strands has been fully methylated, while the other strand still lacks methyl groups. This hemimethylated DNA acts as a signal to prevent further replication of the chromosome until the daughter strand can be fully methylated. This helps to ensure accurate replication and proper chromosome segregation.