Semi-conservative replication
Semi-conservative replication is the mechanism by which DNA replicates in cells. The parent strand splits in two and uses itself as a template to form a second complementary strand. Together the template strand and the complementary strand bond together to form a new double strand of DNA. One parent double strand of DNA will thus become two daughter double strands of DNA [1].
The term "semi-conservative" refers to the fact that each of daughter double helix contains one conserved strand from the parent DNA, as well as one newly synthesised strand. 
References
- ↑ Hartl, D and Jones, E (2009). Genetics- Analysis of genes and genomes. 7th ed. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett publishers, Inc. 192.