In a typical semiconservative DNA replication event, what is the end result of DNA replication?

• A. Two identical double-stranded DNA molecules, each composed of one parental (old) strand and one newly synthesized strand
• B. Two identical double-stranded DNA molecules, each composed of two newly synthesized strands
• C. Two identical single-stranded DNA molecules, each composed of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand
• D. One double-stranded DNA molecule composed entirely of newly synthesized strands, with the parental DNA degraded

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of semiconservative DNA replication: during this process, each of the two parental DNA strands serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.
2. Recall that DNA replication results in two double-stranded DNA molecules, where each molecule contains one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand.
3. Recognize that this mechanism preserves half of the original DNA molecule in each of the daughter molecules, hence the term 'semiconservative'.
4. Eliminate options that suggest both strands are newly synthesized or that the parental DNA is degraded, as these do not align with the semiconservative model.
5. Conclude that the correct end result is two identical double-stranded DNA molecules, each composed of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.