In this example question, it asks which of the following statements most accurately describes DNA replication:
A. It's semi-conservative, with all of the DNA copied and restructured within both new double helixes.
When we analyze the options provided, the terms mentioned include semi-conservative, dispersive, semi-conservative, and conservative. From our earlier discussion, we confirm that DNA replication follows a semi-conservative model, which narrows the correct answer to either option A or C. Options B and D are immediately eliminated.
To differentiate further between A and C:
- Option A states it is semi-conservative with all of the DNA copied and restructured within both new double helices.
- Option C states it is semi-conservative with the template strand being found within both double helices.
The correct description and more accurate answer is option C. This is because in the semi-conservative model of DNA replication, we replicate the template strand to create our complementary or daughter strand, resulting in two DNA double helices, each containing one template strand and one daughter strand. Option C correctly points out that the template strand will be found within both new double helices, making it the optimal choice. Hence, the final answer is C.