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

31329 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how applying increasing pressure to a Pacinian corpuscle produces a larger change in membrane potential.


Compare the structure and properties of phospholipids and triglycerides


Describe the Benedict's test for reducing sugars and how this can be modified to test for non-reducing sugars


In photosynthesis, what are the products of the Light Dependent reaction, and the Light Independent reaction (Calvin Cycle)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences