To prove that DNA is the transforming substance, Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty demonstrated that DNA could transform nonvirulent strains of pneumococcus.The definitive evidence for transformation was
A) enzymes that destroy proteins also destroy transforming activity.
B) the transformed R bacteria passed on the virulence trait to daughter cells.
C) enzymes that destroy complex carbohydrates also destroy transforming activity.
D) the transforming activity is destroyed by boiling.
E) other strains of bacteria also can be transformed successfully.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The definitive evidence for transformation was that the nonvirulent R bacteria, when transformed by DNA from virulent S bacteria, acquired the ability to pass on the virulence trait to daughter cells. This demonstrated that DNA was the transforming principle, as it contained the genetic information necessary for the expression of the virulence trait.

To Prove That DNA Is the Transforming Substance, Avery, MacLeod