DNA replication is said to be semi-conservative because: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

DNA replication is said to be semi-conservative because:
A. Replication occurs in both directions from the origin
B. Each new DNA molecule consists of one old (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand
C. DNA is replicated only during the S phase
D. Both strands of the new DNA molecule are newly synthesized
Answer: Option B
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Semi-conservative replication means that when a new DNA double helix is formed, it consists of one original (parental) strand and one newly synthesized strand. This was proven by the Meselson-Stahl experiment in 1958 using isotopes of nitrogen (15N and 14N) in E. coli. This mechanism ensures genetic continuity.

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Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
Which of the following organisms is a prokaryote?
A. Amoeba
B. Yeast
C. Cyanobacteria
D. Paramecium

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are prokaryotes, possessing a nucleoid region but no true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Amoeba, yeast (fungus), and Paramecium are eukaryotes. Cyanobacteria perform oxygenic photosynthesis and some fix nitrogen, having chlorophyll a and phycobilins. They are classified under Kingdom Monera. Examples: Nostoc, Anabaena.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
The average life span of human red blood cells is about:
A. 1 year
B. 120 days
C. 30 days
D. 24 hours

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Mature human RBCs have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, after which they are phagocytosed by macrophages in the spleen and liver. They lack nuclei and organelles, thus cannot repair themselves. New RBCs are produced in the bone marrow at a rate of about 2 million per second. Erythropoietin stimulates RBC production.

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Question #3
The 'Sinoatrial (SA) node' is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart because:
A. It has the highest threshold for stimulation
B. It receives signals from the brain first
C. It generates action potentials spontaneously at the highest intrinsic rate
D. It is located in the ventricles

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The Sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium, is the natural pacemaker because its cells are autorhythmic; they can spontaneously generate action potentials without external neural input. Crucially, the SA node has the highest intrinsic rate of depolarization (about 70-80 beats per minute) compared to other autorhythmic tissues like the AV node or Purkinje fibers. Therefore, it sets the pace for the entire heart, overriding slower pacemakers.

This question belongs to: Science Biology