Question

The correct depiction of the centrifugation step of the experiment conducted by Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase on using radioactive labelled phages to prove that DNA is the genetic material is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Only radioactive $^{32}$P was found inside bacterial cells, confirming DNA as genetic material.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the Hershey-Chase experiment, DNA was labelled with radioactive phosphorus ($^{32}$P) and protein with radioactive sulfur ($^{35}$S). After centrifugation, $^{32}$P was found in the cells (pellet), showing DNA enters the bacterial cell, whereas $^{35}$S was found in the supernatant, showing that proteins do not enter the cells.