The Hershey-Chase experiments, in which ³²P and ³⁵S were used to label biological molecules, demonstrated ____. A)the semiconservative nature of DNA replication B)that harmless bacterial cells can be permanently and heritably transformed into lethal bacterial cells C)that pure DNA extracted from disease-causing bacteria transformed harmless strains into killer strains D)that bacteriophages transfer their DNA, but not their protein coats, to their host bacteria E)that DNA content of a cell does not vary over time

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The Hershey-Chase experiments showed that bacteriophages transfer their DNA, but not their protein coats, to their host bacteria. This conclusion was reached by labeling the DNA with radioactive phosphorus and the protein coats with radioactive sulfur, and then observing which radioactive material was present inside the bacterial cells after infection by the bacteriophages. This provided evidence for the role of DNA as the genetic material, and supported the idea that DNA replication is semiconservative. The other options relate to different experiments or conclusions.

The Hershey-Chase Experiments, in Which 32P and 35S Were Used

The Hershey-Chase Experiments, in Which ³²P and ³⁵S Were Used