The experiment of Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty in which nonvirulent bacteria were made virulent by transformation was significant because it showed that:
A) bacteria can undergo transformation.
B) genes are composed of DNA only.
C) mice are more susceptible to pneumonia than are humans.
D) pneumonia can be cured by transformation.
E) virulence is determine genetically.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment of Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty showed that the genetic material responsible for transforming nonvirulent bacteria into virulent bacteria was DNA. This was significant because it demonstrated that genes are composed of DNA and not protein, as some scientists had previously believed. The experiment also provided evidence for the theory of bacterial transformation, which has important implications for genetics and biotechnology. However, the experiment did not directly address the other choices listed.

The Experiment of Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty in Which Nonvirulent