If a mixture of bacteriophages, some labeled with radioactive sulfur and others labeled with radioactive phosphorus, is placed in a bacterial culture, the bacteria will eventually contain
A) radioactive sulfur.
B) radioactive phosphorus.
C) both radioactive sulfur and phosphorus.
D) neither radioactive sulfur nor radioactive phosphorus.
E) complete viruses with radioactive sulfur coats.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive phosphorus labels the DNA of bacteriophages, which is injected into bacteria during infection, while radioactive sulfur labels the protein coat, which does not enter the bacteria.

If a Mixture of Bacteriophages, Some Labeled with Radioactive Sulfur