After mixing a heat-killed,phosphorescent (light-emitting)strain of bacteria with a living,nonphosphorescent strain,you discover that some of the living cells are now phosphorescent.Which observation(s)would provide the best evidence that the ability to phosphoresce is a heritable trait?
A)DNA passed from the heat-killed strain to the living strain.
B)Protein passed from the heat-killed strain to the living strain.
C)The phosphorescence in the living strain is especially bright.
D)Descendants of the living cells are also phosphorescent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that descendants of the living cells are also phosphorescent provides the best evidence that the ability to phosphoresce is a heritable trait, as it suggests that the genetic material responsible for this trait has been passed down from generation to generation. Options A and B suggest the transfer of genetic material, but do not provide evidence of heritability. Option C may indicate a strong expression of the trait, but does not provide evidence of heritability.

After Mixing a Heat-Killed,phosphorescent (Light-Emitting)strain of Bacteria with a Living,nonphosphorescent