Question

Stability, as one of the properties of genetic material, was very evident in one of the very early experiments in genetics. Name the scientist and describe his experiment. State the conclusion he arrived at.

Hint:

Griffith’s experiment:
- Showed genetic material is stable and transferable.
- Led to the discovery of DNA as the genetic material.

Answer 1

- Scientist: Frederick Griffith.
- Experiment:
1. He worked on \(\textit{Streptococcus pneumoniae}\) (S strain = virulent, R strain = non-virulent).
2. Heat-killed S strain mixed with live R strain transformed R into a virulent S strain.
- Conclusion:
- A "transforming principle" (later identified as DNA) is responsible for genetic stability and transfer of traits.