Ever pondered why DNA replication is referred to as ‘semi-conservative’? At the end of replication, the two daughter molecules consist of a fresh strand and a parental strand that were present in the original DNA molecule.
This is what makes the process called ‘semi-conservative. ’ In this article, we shall get a deeper insight into the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication, the history of this concept and its part in the Genetic Code. Let’s begin with understanding why DNA replication is termed semi-conservative.
Why is DNA Replication Called Semi-Conservative?
DNA replication is a key process in life and it is therefore important to understand why it is termed semi-conservative. Let’s take a look at the science behind this terminology.Overview of DNA Replication
DNA replication is an enzyme-catalyzed process of duplication of a molecule of DNA in which the two newly-formed copies of the molecule remain genetically identical. It is an essential part of the normal replication process of a living organism and it has to be precise in order for the organism to survive and reproduce.What Does Semi-Conservative Mean?
Semi-conservative is a term used to describe a type of DNA replication that was first described by scientists Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl in 195 In this type of replication, some of the original strand of DNA is kept in each of the newly-formed molecules, while the other half is completely new.This means that each of the molecules have a combination of old and new DNA strands.
How Does Semi-Conservative DNA Replication Work?
Semi-conservative replication works by splitting the double-stranded DNA molecule into two separate strands. Each of these strands is then used as a template for the assembly of a new complementary strand.
This in turn results in two molecules that are identical apart from the new strand of DNA. This allows for genetic information to be carried on from one generation of cells to the next.
Benefits of Semi-Conservative Replication
One of the main benefits of semi-conservative replication is that it is relatively fast and accurate.This means that mistakes don’t often occur and the resulting molecules are genetically identical. Another benefit is that it preserves the integrity of the original molecule. As the old strands are still present in each of the new molecules, the genetic information is not lost but is instead preserved in both.