Final answer:
Cell-free extracts from S-strain cells of S. pneumoniae containing DNA were able to transform R-strain cells into pathogenic or S-strain cells that could kill mice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the experiment conducted by Griffith, cell-free extracts from S-strain cells of S. pneumoniae were fractioned to isolate DNA, RNA, proteins, and other cell components. Each fraction was then mixed with R-strain cells of S. pneumoniae. The ability of each fraction to change the R-strain cells into pathogenic or S-strain cells that could kill mice was tested by injecting the mixture into mice. Only the fraction containing DNA was able to transform the R-strain cells into pathogenic or S-strain cells that could kill mice.