Semiconservative replication

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Semiconservative Replication

Semiconservative replication (/ˌsɛmi kənˈsɜːrvətɪv ˌrɛplɪˈkeɪʃən/) is a method of DNA replication in which the two strands of the parent molecule separate, and each functions as a template for synthesis of a new, complementary strand. This process results in two DNA molecules, each composed of one old strand and one new strand.

Etymology

The term "semiconservative replication" is derived from the fact that this process conserves half of the original DNA molecule. The prefix "semi-" comes from Latin semi meaning "half", and "conservative" is derived from Latin conservare meaning "to keep, preserve".

Process

Semiconservative replication begins with the unwinding of the double helix structure of the DNA molecule. This is facilitated by the enzyme helicase, which breaks the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. Each separated strand then serves as a template for the synthesis of a new, complementary strand. This is carried out by the enzyme DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides to the growing strand in a 5' to 3' direction. The end result is two DNA molecules, each composed of one old strand and one new strand.

Related Terms

  • DNA replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
  • Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA helix at the replication fork to allow the DNA to be copied.
  • DNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes new strands of DNA, using the existing strand as a template.
  • Conservative replication: A hypothetical mode of DNA replication in which an entire double-stranded DNA molecule serves as a template for a whole new molecule of DNA.
  • Dispersive replication: A hypothetical mode of DNA replication in which the original DNA strands are dispersed into two new double helices.

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