DNA replication is described as semiconservative. Which statement best explains why DNA is called semiconservative?

• A. Each daughter DNA molecule contains two newly synthesized strands with no parental DNA retained.
• B. Each daughter DNA molecule contains one parental (old) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
• C. Parental DNA is completely conserved as an intact double helix while a completely new double helix is synthesized separately.
• D. Each daughter DNA molecule contains a mixture of old and new DNA segments interspersed within each strand.

Answer: (B)