Question

In an important experiment, radioactively labeled bacteriophages were allowed to infect bacteria. In the first trial, the phages contained radioactive DNA, and radioactivity was detected in the bacteria. Next, other phages containing radioactive protein were allowed to infect bacteria, and radioactivity was not detected in the bacteria. These experiments led to the conclusion that __________.

Answer 1

Answer:

In an important experiment, radioactively labeled bacteriophages were allowed to infect bacteria. In the first trial, the phages contained radioactive DNA, and radioactivity was detected in the bacteria. Next, other phages containing radioactive protein were allowed to infect bacteria, and radioactivity was not detected in the bacteria. These experiments led to the conclusion that genes of phage are made of DNA.

Explanation:

Bacteriophages are the viruses which infect the bacteria. They bind to the surface of bacteria and inject the inner core and genetic material in the bacteria.

As in the first trial, the phages contained radioactive DNA, and radioactivity was detected in bacteria, it clearly shows that genes of phage are made of DNA. While, on the other hand,other phages containing radioactive protein were allowed to infect bacteria, and radioactivity was not detected in the bacteria clearly indicating that protiens are not entering the bacteria.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is: the genetic material of the phage is DNA.

Explanation:

In the experiments performed, the phages from the first trial contained radioactive DNA, while the phages from the second trial contained radioactive protein. If radioactivity was only detected in the bacteria that was infected by the phages from the first trial, but not in the bacteria from the second trial, the only possible explanation is that the genes in the bacteriophages were made of DNA much like the genes in bacteria.