In trying to determine whether DNA or protein is the genetic material, Hershey and Chase made use of which of the following facts?
A) DNA contains sulfur, whereas protein does not.
B) DNA contains phosphorus, whereas protein does not.
C) DNA contains nitrogen, whereas protein does not.
D) DNA contains purines, whereas protein includes pyrimidines.
E) RNA includes ribose, whereas DNA includes deoxyribose sugars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hershey and Chase used radioactive isotopes of phosphorus and sulfur to label the DNA and protein of bacteriophages. Since DNA contains phosphorus, while proteins do not, they were able to differentiate between the two and determine that DNA is the genetic material.

In Trying to Determine Whether DNA or Protein Is the Genetic