Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which scientist(s) used density gradient centrifugation to demonstrate semiconservative replication of DNA?
A
Pauling and Corey
B
Meselson and Stahl
C
Watson and Crick
D
Franklin and Wilkins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of semiconservative replication: In semiconservative replication, each of the two strands of the DNA molecule serves as a template for the production of a complementary strand. This results in two DNA molecules, each with one old and one new strand.
Familiarize yourself with the technique of density gradient centrifugation: This method separates molecules based on their density by spinning them at high speeds in a centrifuge. Molecules move through a gradient of increasing density until they reach a point where their density matches that of the surrounding medium.
Identify the scientists associated with the discovery of semiconservative replication: Meselson and Stahl conducted experiments using density gradient centrifugation to demonstrate the semiconservative nature of DNA replication.
Review the historical experiment: Meselson and Stahl grew E. coli in a medium containing a heavy isotope of nitrogen (15N) and then switched to a medium with a lighter isotope (14N). They used density gradient centrifugation to separate DNA based on the different densities of the nitrogen isotopes incorporated into the DNA strands.
Analyze the results of the experiment: The results showed that after one round of replication, the DNA consisted of hybrid molecules (one strand with 15N and one with 14N), supporting the semiconservative model of DNA replication.