Question

Why did Hershey and Chase use \(^{35}\text{S}\) and \(^{32}\text{P}\) in their experiment? Explain.

Hint:

Radioactive isotopes are valuable tools for tracing molecules in biological experiments.

Answer 1

\(^{35}\text{S}\): Used to label proteins as sulphur is present in proteins but not in DNA. \(^{32}\text{P}\): Used to label DNA as phosphorus is present in DNA but not in proteins. This helped to determine whether DNA or proteins are the genetic material.