Suppose Meselson & Stahl Had Observed the Following Data in Their

question 53

Multiple Choice

Suppose Meselson & Stahl had observed the following data in their famous experiment involving a switch from medium containing ¹⁵N to ¹⁴N.What would they have concluded about the nature of DNA replication?

• A) They still would have concluded that DNA replication is semiconservative, i.e., each double helix contains one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.
• B) They would have concluded that DNA replication is conservative, i.e., one double helix contains only the parental strands, while the other contains only newly synthesized DNA.
• C) They would have concluded that DNA replication is dispersive/random, i.e., each strand of each double helix contains a mixture of parental and newly synthesized sequences.
• D) They would have been unable to distinguish which is correct.

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Definitions:

Deliberative

Involving careful consideration or discussion before making a decision.

Procedural

Related to or involving a prescribed series of steps or methods to achieve a specific end.

System-2 Thinking

Reflective critical thinking that is useful for judgments in unfamiliar situations, for processing abstract concepts, and for deliberating when there is time for planning and more comprehensive consideration.

Comprehensive Consideration

A thorough and all-encompassing approach to analyzing or thinking about a problem, situation, or decision.