Question

Which best describes the outcome of DNA replication?
The new DNA molecule consists of one strand of DNA.
The new DNA molecule accumulates a new strand of DNA with each replication.
The new DNA molecule consists of one new strand and one old strand of DNA.
The new DNA molecule contains new DNA, and the old molecule keeps the old DNA

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is -

The new DNA molecule consists of one new strand and one old strand of DNA.

DNA replication is a process of formation of two molecules of DNA from a single DNA molecule (which is double stranded).

In this process, the two DNA strands of the original DNA are first separated so that the template strands are exposed.

Using the template strands, enzyme DNA polymerase adds nucleotides (in the direction 5' to 3') in a complementary manner-

For adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine in the template strand, thymine adenine, cytosine, and guanine are added respectively.

The new DNA molecule consists of one new strand and one old strand of DNA. That is why, it is also called semiconservative replication.

Thus, option third is the right answer.