NEETZoologyMolecular Basis of Inheritance
What was the main goal of Hershey and Chase's experiments?
Options
- ATo determine whether protein or DNA entered the bacteria from viruses
- BTo prove that RNA is the genetic material
- CTo isolate the transforming principle in bacteriophages
- DTo determine the chemical composition of bacteriophages
Correct answer
A. To determine whether protein or DNA entered the bacteria from viruses
Step-by-step solution
The unequivocal proof that DNA is the genetic material came from the experiments of Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase (1952). They worked with viruses that infect bacteria called bacteriophages. The bacteriophage attaches to the bacteria and its genetic material then enters the bacterial cell. The bacterial cell treats the viral genetic material as if it was its own and subsequently manufactures more virus particles . Hershey and Chase worked to discover whether it was protein or DNA from the viruses that entered the