Question

(ii) State the importance of (1) blending and (2) centrifugation in their experiment.

Hint:

Blending and centrifugation ensured separation of phage protein and DNA for accurate experimental results.

Answer 1

Blending and centrifugation were critical in the Hershey-Chase experiment: \begin{itemize} \item Blending: Dislodged phage protein coats from the bacterial surface, ensuring only internalized materials remained with the bacteria. \item Centrifugation: Separated bacterial cells (pellet) from phage protein coats (supernatant), allowing accurate measurement of radioactivity. \end{itemize} These methods confirmed that $^{32}$P (DNA) entered bacterial cells, while $^{35}$S (protein) remained outside, proving DNA as the hereditary material. % Quick tip