Possible Models for DNA Replication
Three possible ways in which DNA can replicate are illustrated. The two
original strands of DNA are shown in yellow (light); newly synthesized DNA
is blue (dark).
To explain the phenomenon of heredity, biological information must be
accurately copied and transmitted from each cell to all of its progeny.
Three ways for DNA molecules to replicate
may be considered, each obeying the rules of complementary base
- Semiconservative replication would produce molecules with both
old and new DNA, but each molecule would be composed of one old strand
and one new one.
The replication is semiconservative.
Each strand acts as a template for the synthesis of a new DNA molecule by
the sequential addition of complementary base pairs, thereby generating
a new DNA strand that is the complementary sequence to the parental DNA.
Each daughter DNA molecule ends up with one of the original strands and
one newly synthesized strand.