Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

14. DNA Replication

The Hershey-Chase Experiment

Microbiology

14. DNA Replication

The Hershey-Chase Experiment

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following facts did Hershey and Chase make use of in trying to determine whether DNA or protein is the genetic material?

DNA contains sulfur, whereas protein does not.

DNA contains phosphorus, whereas protein does not.

DNA contains nitrogen, whereas protein does not.

DNA contains purines, whereas protein includes pyrimidines.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Hershey and Chase conducted experiments to determine whether DNA or protein is the genetic material using bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria.

Identify the key difference between DNA and protein: DNA contains phosphorus, while proteins contain sulfur. This difference is crucial for the experiment.

Recognize the experimental design: Hershey and Chase used radioactive isotopes to label the DNA and protein of the bacteriophages. They used radioactive phosphorus (32P) to label DNA and radioactive sulfur (35S) to label protein.

Analyze the results: After allowing the bacteriophages to infect bacteria, they found that the radioactive phosphorus (32P) was inside the bacteria, indicating that DNA entered the bacterial cells.

Conclude the findings: The presence of radioactive phosphorus inside the bacteria demonstrated that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material responsible for carrying genetic information.