Question

What was the conclusion of Hershey and Chase experiment?

• A. Genetic material of bacteria is DNA
• B. Genetic material of virus is DNA
• C. Genetic material of bacteria is RNA
• D. Genetic material of virus is RNA

Hint:

Hershey and Chase experiment confirmed DNA as the hereditary material in viruses.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Experiment details.
Hershey and Chase (1952) performed experiments using bacteriophage (virus) and bacteria. They labeled viral DNA with radioactive phosphorus (\(^{32}P\)) and viral protein coat with radioactive sulfur (\(^{35}S\)).
Step 2: Observation.
After infection, only the \(^{32}P\)-labeled DNA entered the bacterial cells, while the protein coat remained outside.
Step 3: Conclusion.
This proved that DNA is the genetic material in viruses, not proteins.