The Purpose of Semi-Conservative Replication

Question 1

Before a (parent) cell divides, it needs to copy the DNA contained within it
This is so that the

Answer 1

This is so that the two new (daughter) cells produced will both receive the full copies of the parental DNA

Question 2

The DNA is copied via a process known as

Answer 2

semi-conservative replication (semi = half)

Question 3

The process is called so because in each new DNA molecule produced, ….. of the polynucleotide DNA strands (half of the new DNA molecule) is from

Answer 3

one

the original DNA molecule being copied

Question 4

The other polynucleotide DNA strand (the other half of the new DNA molecule) has to be

Answer 4

newly created by the cell

Question 5

Therefore, the new DNA molecule has conserved…..

Answer 5

half of the original DNA and then used this to create a new strand

Question 6

The importance of retaining one original DNA strand

Answer 6

It ensures there is genetic continuity between generations of cells

In other words, it ensures that the new cells produced during cell division inherit all their genes from their parent cells

This is important because cells in our body are replaced regularly and therefore we need the new cells to be able to do the same role as the old ones

Replication of DNA and cell division also occurs during growth

Question 7

Make sure you don’t confuse ‘parent cell’ with ‘parent organism’. A parent cell is any cell in the body that divides into two cells and the terminology is used to refer to the ‘original’ cell that the DNA came from before it was split and replicated semi-conservatively.