In: Biology
How semi-conservative DNA replication prevent mutation?
In the semiconservative DNA replication process, two copy DNA double helix are synthesized in which each copy contains one original strand and another newly synthesized strand. In this replication process, mutation chance is very less or prevented because of complementary base pairing in original strands.
The high fidelity of DNA replication depends not only upon complementary base pairing but also on several proofreading mechanisms to prevent the mutation incorporation. When nucleotide is added to the growing chain, first proofreading is done by DNA polymerase then the next error-correction step takes place by exonucleolytic proofreading. This replication process allows for the old strand to be methylated at a separate time from the new strand. This methylated strand guide repair enzymes to proofread the new strand and correct errors or mutations.
Why semi-conservative DNA replication is more important than conservative replication?
Semi conservative DNA replication provides many advantages over conservative replication. It is accurate, fast, and allows enzymes to easy repair of errors or mutations in DNA.