Multiple Choice
During Griffith's experiments with Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice, material from __________ bacteria transformed __________ bacteria.
14. DNA Synthesis
The Griffith Experiment
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In his transformation experiments, what phenomenon did Griffith observe?
A
Mixing a heat-killed pathogenic strain of bacteria with a living nonpathogenic strain converts the living cells into the pathogenic form.
B
Mixing heat-killed nonpathogenic bacteria with a living pathogenic strain makes the living strain nonpathogenic.
C
Infecting mice with nonpathogenic strains of bacteria makes them resistant to pathogenic strains.
D
Mice infected with a pathogenic strain of bacteria can spread the infection to other mice.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context of Griffith's experiments: Frederick Griffith was studying two strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, one pathogenic (disease-causing) and one nonpathogenic (harmless).
Recognize the key observation: Griffith found that when he mixed heat-killed pathogenic bacteria with living nonpathogenic bacteria, some of the living bacteria became pathogenic.
Identify the phenomenon: This transformation indicated that some 'transforming principle' from the dead pathogenic bacteria was taken up by the living nonpathogenic bacteria, converting them into the pathogenic form.
Consider the implications: This experiment suggested that genetic information could be transferred between bacteria, laying the groundwork for the discovery of DNA as the genetic material.
Relate to the options given: The correct observation from Griffith's experiment is that mixing a heat-killed pathogenic strain with a living nonpathogenic strain converts the living cells into the pathogenic form.
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