DNA Replication Discussion Sheet

The Meselson - Stahl Experiment was the experiment that provided definitive evidence that
DNA replication is semi-conservative. However, there were three hypotheses they had to
consider, DNA replication was conservative, semi-conservative, or dispersive.

Using the guild below, outline what the results of the Meselson - Stahl would be if each of these
hypotheses were correct

DNA replication is conservative

DNA replication is semi-conservative

 DNA replication is dispersive

Draw the leading strands and lagging strands on the below replication bubble. Be sure you show
the proper 5' and 3' orientations
In the diagram below, the bottom strand is the template strand of DNA (e.g the old DNA) and the
top strand is newly synthesized DNA in a linear eukaryotic chromosome. Which end of the new
DNA will be shorter? Why? (Note, the diagram is not drawn to scale)

New Strand 5' -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3'

Template Strand 3' -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5'

When DNA replicates on linear chromosomes, the RNA primer is laid down 5' to 3', and this is
used as the primer for DNApolIII. The RNA primer is unstable, and soon falls off. This leaves
the 5' end shorter on the new strand.

You are given the below piece of DNA:

5’ A T C G G A T C A G C C A G 3’

Four pieces of DNA are given below. One of them is identical to the above strand, one is the
DNA complement, and the other two have no relationship with the above strand. Identify each.

3’ A T C G G A T C A G C C A G 5’ No relation (this is the same piece of

DNA, written 3' to 5')

3’ G A C C G A C T A G G C T A 5’ Identical (the DNA is simply written

3' to 5')

3’ T A G C C T A G T C G G T C 5’ DNA complement

5’ T A G C C T A G T C G G T C 3’ No relation (this is the DNA

complement written 5' to 3')