Question

In 1952, biologists Alfresco Hershey and Martha Chase performed experiments proving that DNA was the genetic material responsible for heredity. In which of the following ways did their discovery change society?

a. It led to the development of new antibiotics.
b. It revolutionized the field of psychology.
c. It sparked advancements in genetic engineering.
d. It had no significant impact on society.

Answer 1

Hershey and Chase's experiments confirmed that DNA is the genetic material responsible for heredity. This discovery had a significant impact on society, sparking advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hershey and Chase's experiments in 1952 provided confirmatory evidence that DNA, not protein, was the genetic material responsible for heredity. By studying a bacteriophage virus that infects bacteria, they showed that the labeled DNA entered and infected bacterial cells, while the labeled protein coats did not participate in the transmission of genetic information. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for advancements in genetic engineering and the development of biotechnology.