Why is DNA replication considered semiconservative?

DNA replication is considered semiconservative because each of the two resulting DNA molecules contains one strand from the original DNA and one newly synthesized strand. This ensures that the genetic information is accurately passed on while maintaining a template of the original DNA sequence. This model, confirmed by the Meselson-Stahl experiment, contrasts with other possible replication mechanisms, such as conservative replication, where the entire original strand would be preserved in one molecule and the other would be completely new.