Hershey and Chase (1952) used a DNA-based virus for their work. How might the results have been different if they had used an RNA virus?
A) With an RNA virus, radioactive protein would have been in the final pellet.
B) With an RNA virus, radioactive RNA would have been in the final pellet.
C) With an RNA virus, neither sample would have had a radioactive pellet.
D) With an RNA virus, the protein shell would have been radioactive in both samples.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Hershey and Chase experiment used bacteriophages to determine whether DNA or protein was the genetic material. Since the bacteriophages had DNA as their genetic material, radioactive DNA was found in the final pellet. If an RNA-based virus had been used, radioactive RNA would have been found in the final pellet instead of radioactive DNA. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Hershey and Chase (1952) Used a DNA-Based Virus for Their