What is semi-conservative replication of DNA? And why is it important?

Semi-conservative DNA replication involves splitting open the parent cells DNA duplex and exposing both strands. Now these strands are accessible to replication machinery to act as a template, so that the sequence can be 'read' and a daughter strand synthesised that is complementary to each parent strand. This will produce two DNA duplexes which have one parent strand and one daughter strand. The semi-conservative mechanism minimises errors in DNA replication, because the template gives DNA polymerase something accurate to copy from. This is very important because cells want to minimise errors in replication when dividing, so that mutations (such as incorrect bases, deletions, insertions) are not brought into the genome. Mutations in genes can cause proteins to become non-functional and lead to disease, including cancer.

KP
Answered by Katie P. Biology tutor

30811 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name how the structure of the three main blood vessels are adapted to their function.


What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?


Describe three effects of smoking on the alveoli


What does sex linkage mean?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences