NEETZoologyMolecular Basis of Inheritance
What was the result of Hershey and Chase's experiments regarding the presence of radioactive DNA in the viruses?
Options
- ARadioactive DNA was present in viruses grown on radioactive sulfur
- BRadioactive DNA was not present in any of the viruses
- CRadioactive DNA was present in viruses grown on radioactive phosphorus
- DRadioactive DNA was present in both types of viruses
Correct answer
C. Radioactive DNA was present in viruses grown on radioactive phosphorus
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