If Hershey and Chase had found ³²P in both the pellet and the supernatant of the phage-infected bacteria, what would have been their likely conclusion about the nature of genetic material? A) A protein must be the information molecule. B) DNA is the genetic information molecule. C) Phage must have stuck to the bacteria. D) Phosphorus was in the information molecule. E) No conclusion would have been possible from these results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the hypothetical result where ³²P is found in both the pellet and the supernatant, it would indicate that both protein and DNA were present in both fractions. This outcome would not have allowed Hershey and Chase to distinguish whether DNA or protein was the genetic material, leading to an inconclusive result.

If Hershey and Chase Had Found 32P in Both the Pellet

If Hershey and Chase Had Found ³²P in Both the Pellet