In the classic Hershey-Chase experiment (1952) that proved DNA is the genetic material, which radioactive isotopes were used to label the bacteriophage T2 DNA and protein coat respectively?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. for DNA and for protein coat
- Step 1: Phosphorus is an abundant component of the nucleic acid sugar-phosphate backbone but is absent in standard amino acids.
- Step 2: Sulfur is present in sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine) but is completely absent in nucleic acids.
- Step 3: Hershey and Chase cultured bacteriophage T2 on to label viral DNA, and on to label the capsid proteins; following infection and centrifugation, only entered the bacterial pellet.
Answer
for DNA and for protein coat.
Why not the others: for DNA inverts the two labels; was used by Meselson and Stahl for semiconservative replication; and were not used in the 1952 Hershey-Chase experiment.
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