Explain why DNA replication is considered semi-conservative.

DNA requires one template strand that is conserved, in order for the nitrogenous bases to order themselves correctly in the new polynucleotide chain. This relies on the complimentary base pairing C-G and A-T. Each new molecule of DNA consists of one conserved strand and one new strand linked by ydrogen bonds, 3 between C and G, and 2 between A and T.