how does the replication of DNA work? And how exactly is it a semi conservative process?

Question

I’m trying to study but I’m struggling with simplifying this concept and with understanding it. I’ve never been that good at biology so I’m sorry if it’s a dumb question. It’s a semi-conservative process, because a new strand forms after a cell divides. And this, I have no issue with understanding. But if the 3’-5’ strand is the leading strand (because this is what our teacher has told us) and the DNA polymerase synthesises in the 5’-3’ direction, what about the 5’-3’ strand of the original cell? Our book shows a picture of a recently formed 3’-5’ strand. Does this mean the 5’-3’ strand can also be the leading strand? Sorry I’m just so confused and I think this is crucial to understanding the rest 😭

In: Biology

Answer 1

Hi I drew some crude images to try and explain. Let me know if this helped.

1- https://i.imgur.com/6GWYkZ7.jpeg

2- https://i.imgur.com/7I2fvfy.jpeg

3- https://i.imgur.com/GtCTmGi.jpeg

In these images the red would be the leading strand, green would be the lagging strand. In the final result only half of the original dna(blue) is preserved, hence it is semiconservative.

Edit: removed imgbb links and added imgur links to the images.