In the Hershey and Chase experiment, phage-infected bacteria and viral progeny were radioactive following bacterial infection with³²P-labeled viruses. Why? A) Bacteria had incorporated radioactive proteins into their DNA. B) Phage DNA labeled with³²P had entered the bacteria and appeared in progeny phages. C) Viral progeny had used the³²P to build new viral proteins. D) Bacteria had incorporated radioactive proteins into their cell membranes. E)³²P was left outside the cell during viral infection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Hershey and Chase experiment used radioactive labeling to determine that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material transferred from viruses (phages) to bacteria. They labeled the DNA of phages with radioactive phosphorus (P32), and when these phages infected bacteria, the radioactive DNA entered the bacterial cells and was found in the progeny phages, demonstrating that DNA is the molecule of heredity.

In the Hershey and Chase Experiment, Phage-Infected Bacteria and Viral