In one Hershey and Chase experiment, bacteriophage nucleic acids were labeled by carrying out an infection of E.coli cells growing in A) ¹⁴C-labeled CO₂. B) ³H-labeled water. C) ³²P-labeled phosphate. D) ³⁵S-labeled sulfate. E) ¹⁸O-labeled water.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this experiment, the bacteriophage nucleic acids were labeled with radioactive phosphorus-32 (32P). This was achieved by growing the bacteriophages in a medium containing a high concentration of radioactive phosphate-32 (32P). When the bacteriophages were used to infect E.coli cells, the radiolabeled nucleic acids would be injected into the host cells. Therefore, the best choice is option C, which contains radioactive phosphate.

In One Hershey and Chase Experiment, Bacteriophage Nucleic Acids Were