Which statement correctly describes the semiconservative model of DNA replication?

• A. Each daughter DNA molecule consists of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.
• B. Both strands of the parental DNA remain together, and an entirely new double-stranded DNA molecule is synthesized.
• C. Each daughter DNA molecule contains two newly synthesized strands.
• D. DNA replication occurs without the involvement of parental DNA strands.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of DNA replication models: conservative, semiconservative, and dispersive replication.
2. Recall that in the semiconservative model, each new DNA molecule consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
3. Compare this with the conservative model, where the parental DNA strands remain together and a completely new double-stranded DNA molecule is made.
4. Recognize that the dispersive model involves both strands being a mix of old and new DNA segments.
5. Identify the statement that matches the semiconservative model: each daughter DNA molecule has one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.