Question

The experiment that conclusively proved that DNA is the genetic material was performed by:

• A. Frederick Griffith
• B. Oswald Avery, Maclyn McCarty, and Colin MacLeod
• C. Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase
• D. James Watson and Francis Crick

Hint:

Hershey and Chase: \(^{32}P\) (DNA) and \(^{35}S\) (protein) labeling.
Proved DNA is the genetic material.
Avery, MacLeod, McCarty: DNA is the transforming principle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The identity of the genetic material was discovered through several experiments.
Different experiments provided different types of evidence.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
No specific formula.
Need to know the historical experiments in molecular biology.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Frederick Griffith discovered transformation in bacteria.
Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty showed that DNA is the transforming principle.
Hershey and Chase used radioactive isotopes to prove DNA is the genetic material.
They used bacteriophages labeled with \(^{32}P\) (DNA) and \(^{35}S\) (protein).
Only \(^{32}P\) entered the bacteria, proving DNA is the genetic material.
Watson and Crick proposed the double helix structure of DNA.
Thus, Hershey and Chase conclusively proved DNA is the genetic material.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The experiment that proved DNA is the genetic material was performed by Hershey and Chase.
Hence, the correct option is (C).