What is the result of DNA replication?

What is the result of DNA replication?

• A. One original molecule and one new molecule are formed.
• B. The replication process only copies one strand.
• C. Two identical daughter molecules are formed.
• D. A single chromatid doubles in number.

Answer: (C)

DNA replication is semiconservative: each of the two new DNA molecules contains one strand from the original molecule and a newly synthesized complementary strand. This leads to two identical daughter DNA molecules, each carrying the same genetic information as the parent. After replication, these two molecules are often seen as sister chromatids attached to each other, and they are identical in sequence. This is why the outcome is described as two identical daughter molecules. The other statements mischaracterize the process: one original and one new would imply one molecule is wholly original and the other wholly new, which isn’t how replication works; copying only one strand ignores the synthesis of the new complementary strand on the second template; and the note about chromatids is imprecise without recognizing that two complete DNA molecules are produced and later separated during cell division.

DNA replication is semiconservative: each of the two new DNA molecules contains one strand from the original molecule and a newly synthesized complementary strand. This leads to two identical daughter DNA molecules, each carrying the same genetic information as the parent. After replication, these two molecules are often seen as sister chromatids attached to each other, and they are identical in sequence. This is why the outcome is described as two identical daughter molecules. The other statements mischaracterize the process: one original and one new would imply one molecule is wholly original and the other wholly new, which isn’t how replication works; copying only one strand ignores the synthesis of the new complementary strand on the second template; and the note about chromatids is imprecise without recognizing that two complete DNA molecules are produced and later separated during cell division.