Which term describes the replication process in which each new DNA double helix consists of one original strand and one new strand?

The term that describes the replication process where each new DNA double helix consists of one original strand and one new strand is semi-conservative replication. This process was established through the famous Meselson-Stahl experiment, which demonstrated that during DNA replication, the two strands of the double helix separate, and each serves as a template for the creation of a new complementary strand. As a result, each of the two daughter DNA molecules retains one strand from the original DNA molecule, making the process semi-conservative.

In contrast, conservative replication would imply that the original double helix remains intact while a completely new double helix is formed. Dispersive replication suggests that the original strands are fragmented and mixed with new DNA, which does not accurately describe the actual mechanism of DNA replication. Fragmented replication is not a recognized term in the context of DNA replication processes. Each of these alternatives lacks the fundamental feature of semi-conservative replication, which is crucial for maintaining genetic fidelity during cell division.