DNA replication
Complementary base pairing allows DNA strands to serve as copying templates.
Key knowledge
In semiconservative replication of double-stranded DNA, each parental strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand. Each resulting double helix contains one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.
Conditions and scope
- This describes ordinary cellular double-stranded DNA replication; detailed enzymes and viral replication strategies are outside scope.
- Copying is not infallible: proofreading and repair correct many errors, while uncorrected changes can become mutations.
Sources · 3
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas and Jung Choi — OpenStax, Rice University2 sources
- Biology XII: Molecular Basis of InheritanceNCERTTextbook chapter · PDF
Evidence and review
Textbook account of the semiconservative model, Meselson–Stahl observations and error correction; those experiments were not repeated.
2026-10-10 · English template/strand distinction checked against section 14.3 and the bounded copying-error qualification against section 14.6.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Semiconservative template copying and one old/new strand per daughter helix.
Copying mechanism and copying accuracy are separate questions.
NCERT
- Biology XII: Molecular Basis of Inheritance IndiaEnglish
§5.1.1, printed pp80–82: DNA/RNA backbone and base pairing; §5.4, printed pp88–90: semiconservative replication; §5.5.2–5.5.3, printed pp92–95: transcription and RNA products; §5.7, printed pp98–100: translation and activated amino acids
- Biology XII: Molecular Basis of Inheritance
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- bio-dna-replication
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection