Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Core features of bacterial chromosome replication include the number of origins, directionality of fork movement, and how parental strands are conserved. Mastery of these traits is foundational for genetics and molecular biology.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
E. coli initiates replication at a single origin (oriC), two replication forks proceed bidirectionally around the circular chromosome, and replication is semiconservative, preserving one parental strand in each daughter duplex.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Origin count: one principal chromosomal origin (oriC).2) Fork movement: two forks move in opposite directions from oriC.3) Strand conservation: each product contains one old and one new strand.4) Therefore, the combination “All of the above” is correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
Genetic mapping and visualization of replication intermediates corroborate a single oriC and bidirectional forks; Meselson–Stahl demonstrates semiconservative inheritance.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any single statement alone omits the other true properties; the inclusive choice best reflects bacterial replication.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing bacterial single-origin replication with eukaryotic multiple origins, or assuming unidirectional fork movement.
Final Answer:
All of the above
Discussion & Comments