Question

Which of the following best describes the results from Hershey and Chase’s experiment using bacterial viruses with 35S-labeled proteins or 32P-labeled DNA that are consistent with protein being the molecule responsible for hereditary?

After infection with the 35S-labeled viruses and centrifugation, only the pellet would be radioactive.
After infection with the 35S-labeled viruses and centrifugation, both the pellet and the supernatant would be radioactive.
After infection with the 32P-labeled viruses and centrifugation, only the pellet would be radioactive.
After infection with the 32P-labeled viruses and centrifugation, both the pellet and the supernatant would be radioactive.

Answer 1

The correct answer will be option-After infection with the 32P-labeled viruses and centrifugation, only the pellet would be radioactive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experiment performed by the Hershey and Chase in 1928 proved that DNA is the genetic material. For this, they grew T2 bacteriophage in two mediums- radioactive sulfur (³⁵S) and radioactive phosphorus (³²P).

When he infected the bacteria with a virus, the virus transferred its DNA which contained radioactive phosphorus in its structure to the bacteria in the process of infection. Due to which when the bacteria were separated from the virus using centrifugation, the larger bacteria formed the radioactive solid pellets while viruses were suspended in the supernatant.

Thus, the selected option will be the correct answer.