The semi-conservative replication of DNA ensures genetic continuity between generations of cells.

The process of semi-conservative replication of DNA in terms of:

- unwinding of the double helix
- breakage of hydrogen bonds between complementary bases in the polynucleotide strands
- the role of DNA helicase in unwinding DNA and breaking its hydrogen bonds
- attraction of new DNA nucleotides to exposed bases on template strands and base pairing
- the role of DNA polymerase in the condensation reaction that joins adjacent nucleotides.

Students should be able to evaluate the work of scientists in validating the Watson–Crick model of DNA replication.