Answers to Part C:
1. Describe the process of DNA replication.
DNA replication involves strands of DNA (double helical molecule with anti-parallel chains) locally unwinding to a single strand revealing free 3′ and 5’ends (via DNA helicases). DNA polymerase synthesizes new nucleotides from 5′ to 3′ end (the leading strand) and the Okazaki fragments assemble and join to the 3’end of the lagging strand. These are then linked by the enzyme ligase. The new DNA strand is rewound back into a helix.
2. DNA replication is described as a semi-conservative process. Explain what is meant by semi-conservative.
Semi-conservative replication refers to the fact that the parental DNA acts as a template for the two new strands of DNA that are synthesized. The new DNA strand consists of 50% old DNA and 50% new DNA.