If a mixture of bacteriophages,some labeled with radioactive sulfur and others labeled with radioactive phosphorus,is placed in a bacterial culture,the bacteria will eventually contain ____.
A) primarily radioactive sulfur
B) primarily radioactive phosphorus
C) both radioactive sulfur and phosphorus
D) neither radioactive sulfur nor radioactive phosphorus
E) complete viruses with radioactive sulfur coats

Question

If a mixture of bacteriophages,some labeled with radioactive sulfur and others labeled with radioactive phosphorus,is placed in a bacterial culture,the bacteria will eventually contain ____.  
A) primarily radioactive sulfur
B) primarily radioactive phosphorus
C) both radioactive sulfur and phosphorus
D) neither radioactive sulfur nor radioactive phosphorus
E) complete viruses with radioactive sulfur coats

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radioactive phosphorus is incorporated into the DNA of bacteriophages, which is then transferred to bacteria during infection. Radioactive sulfur, used to label proteins, does not enter the bacteria as the protein coat remains outside.

If a Mixture of Bacteriophages,some Labeled with Radioactive Sulfur and Others