Question

What was the Avery et al.'s (1944) contribution to the understanding of molecular biology?

A) Identified the structure of DNA.
B) Discovered the structure of proteins.
C) Demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material.
D) Developed the first electron microscope.

Answer 1

Avery et al.'s (1944) contribution to molecular biology was demonstrating that DNA is the genetic material.

Step-by-step explanation:

Avery et al.'s (1944) contribution to the understanding of molecular biology was that they demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material. In their experiments, Avery and colleagues showed that the genetic information responsible for the transformation of nonvirulent bacteria into virulent bacteria was contained in the DNA, not in proteins. This finding was further confirmed by Hershey and Chase, who demonstrated that viruses insert DNA into bacterial cells. This discovery was a crucial milestone in establishing DNA as the primary carrier of genetic information.