Question:

Who confirmed the genetic material of Tobacco Mosaic Virus as RNA?

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F. Conrat's experiments with TMV proved RNA is the genetic material in viruses, marking a key discovery in virology.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • W.M. Stanley
  • D. Iwanowski
  • M. Beijerinck
  • F. Conrat
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding TMV.
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) infects tobacco and other plants and was among the first viruses studied in detail.

Step 2: Experiments identifying genetic material.

- Earlier, W.M. Stanley crystallized TMV and demonstrated its protein nature, but did not determine the genetic material.
- F. Conrat in 1957 separated TMV protein coat from RNA and showed that the RNA alone was infectious and could produce new virus particles when combined with the coat protein.

Step 3: Significance.

- This experiment confirmed that TMV's genetic material is RNA, not protein.
- This was a landmark in molecular biology, showing that RNA can serve as genetic material in viruses.

Step 4: Conclusion.

Hence, the genetic material of TMV was confirmed to be RNA by F. Conrat.
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