When the Synthesis of New DNA is Directed by an Original

Question

When the synthesis of new DNA is directed by an original template DNA molecule
A) the DNA produced has two newly formed strands (no change in the original DNA)
B) two DNA molecules are formed, each with one new strand and one strand from the original DNA
C) there is random arrangement of newly formed and original DNA on the two strands of the DNA produced
D) no information is available on this subject

Accepted Answer

During DNA replication, each original strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand to be synthesized. This results in the formation of two new DNA molecules, each with one newly formed strand and one strand from the original DNA. This is known as semi-conservative replication. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that the original DNA strands remain unchanged, which is not the case. Option C is incorrect because DNA replication is a highly controlled process and there is no random arrangement of newly formed and original DNA molecules. Option D is incorrect because there is ample information available on this subject.