Semiconservative replication
Semiconservative replication is a method of DNA replication in which the original strands of DNA are separated, each serving as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand. This process results in two copies of the original DNA molecule, each containing one of the original strands and one new strand. This method of replication was first demonstrated by Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl in 1958.
Overview[edit]
Semiconservative replication begins with the unwinding of the double helix to expose the bases in each strand of DNA. This is facilitated by the enzyme helicase. The unwinding of the helix creates a 'Y' shaped structure known as a replication fork.
At the replication fork, the enzyme DNA polymerase begins to synthesize a new strand of DNA using the original strand as a template. The synthesis of the new strand occurs in the 5' to 3' direction. This means that the new strand is synthesized in a direction opposite to the way the original strand is read.
The result of semiconservative replication is two DNA molecules, each composed of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. This ensures that the genetic information is preserved and accurately passed on to the next generation.
Meselson-Stahl Experiment[edit]
The semiconservative model of DNA replication was first proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick. However, it was the Meselson-Stahl experiment that provided the experimental evidence to support this model.
In their experiment, Meselson and Stahl grew bacteria in a medium containing a heavy isotope of nitrogen (Nitrogen-15). They then transferred the bacteria to a medium containing a lighter isotope (Nitrogen-14). After several generations, they extracted the DNA from the bacteria and analyzed it using density gradient centrifugation.
The results of the experiment showed that the DNA extracted from the bacteria contained a mixture of heavy and light DNA, supporting the semiconservative model of DNA replication.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
Ad. Transform your health with W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa
Tired of being overweight?
Special offer:
Budget GLP-1 weight loss medications
- Semaglutide starting from $29.99/week and up with insurance for visit of $59.99 and up per week self pay.
- Tirzepatide starting from $45.00/week and up (dose dependent) or $69.99/week and up self pay
✔ Same-week appointments, evenings & weekends
Learn more:
- GLP-1 weight loss clinic NYC
- W8MD's NYC medical weight loss
- W8MD Philadelphia GLP-1 shots
- Philadelphia GLP-1 injections
- Affordable GLP-1 shots NYC
- Budget GLP-1 shots
|
WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
