During DNA replication, which statement about the newly synthesized strand is true?

During DNA replication, which statement about the newly synthesized strand is true?

• A. A duplicated identical strand.
• B. A complementary strand to the old template strand.
• C. An RNA strand.
• D. A random sequence.

Answer: (B)

During DNA replication, the double helix unwinds and each old strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction, using base-pairing rules so A pairs with T and G with C. The result is a newly synthesized DNA strand that is complementary to the old template strand, not identical to it. This is the semi-conservative outcome: each daughter molecule contains one old strand and one newly made strand. It’s a DNA strand, built according to specific base-pairing rules, not an RNA strand or a random sequence.

During DNA replication, the double helix unwinds and each old strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase adds nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction, using base-pairing rules so A pairs with T and G with C. The result is a newly synthesized DNA strand that is complementary to the old template strand, not identical to it. This is the semi-conservative outcome: each daughter molecule contains one old strand and one newly made strand. It’s a DNA strand, built according to specific base-pairing rules, not an RNA strand or a random sequence.