Question

Which statement is not correct about the results of the Hershey - Chase experiment with T₂ bacteriophage?

Options

• Radioactively labelled protein was found in the bacteria, not in the phage coats.

• Radioactively labelled DNA was found in the bacteria, not in the phage coats.

• DNA was labelled with radioactive phosphorus.

• Protein was labelled with radioactive sulphur.

Answer 1

Radioactively labelled protein was found in the bacteria, not in the phage coats.

Explanation:

In their experiment, Hershey and Chase used radioactive isotopes to track whether DNA or protein entered the bacterial cell. Since sulfur is found in proteins but not in DNA, they labelled the viral protein coat with ³⁵S. After using a blender to separate the viral shells from the bacteria, they found that the radioactive protein remained in the phage coats (outside the cell) and did not enter the bacteria. Only the DNA, which was labelled with phosphorus (³²P), was found inside the bacterial cells. This proved that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material responsible for directing the production of new viruses.