The Question is from neet-botany molecular-basis-of-inheritance the-search-of-genetic-material, and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

If Hershey and Chase had found radioactive sulfur ($^{35}S$) inside the bacteria instead of radioactive phosphorus ($^{32}P$), what would have been the conclusion of their experiment?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: [Option B]  
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: The role of DNA and proteins in genetic inheritance  
	**Related Topics**: Molecular biology, Hershey-Chase experiment, genetic material  
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of DNA and protein functions in cells  
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:  
		1. Hershey and Chase used radioactive isotopes to trace the genetic material in a bacteriophage.  
		2. If sulfur was found in the bacteria, it indicates the presence of proteins (as proteins contain sulfur, while DNA does not).  
**Method & Steps**:  
	1.	Identify what the presence of $^{35}S$ would indicate.  
		Reasoning: The experiment aimed to determine whether DNA or proteins served as the genetic material.  
		Formula/Rule: Proteins contain sulfur, while DNA does not.  
	2.	Analyze the implications of finding radioactive sulfur inside the bacteria.  
		Working: If $^{35}S$ was detected, it would suggest that the proteins from the virus were injected into the bacteria.  
		Key Point: This result would lead to the conclusion that proteins could potentially be the genetic material.  
	3.	Conclude based on the experimental findings.  
		Result: If only sulfur was found, the conclusion would be that proteins are the genetic material.  
		Verification: The original conclusion of the Hershey and Chase experiment was that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material, but finding $^{35}S$ would invert that conclusion.  
## OPTION ANALYSIS  
[A] :x: DNA is the genetic material. - This is incorrect as the presence of $^{35}S$ would suggest protein.  
[B] ✓: Protein is the genetic material. - This is correct as finding $^{35}S$ would indicate the role of proteins.  
[C] :x: Both DNA and protein are the genetic material. - This is incorrect because the experiment would indicate a preference for proteins.  
[D] :x: Neither DNA nor protein is the genetic material. - This is incorrect as proteins (indicated by $^{35}S$) would be suggested as the genetic material.  
## LEARNING AIDS  
	**Common Mistakes**:  
		1. Misunderstanding the role of DNA vs. proteins in genetics: Always remember that DNA is the hereditary material unless evidence suggests otherwise.  
		2. Confusing isotopes: Know which isotopes are associated with DNA (phosphorus) and proteins (sulfur).  
	**Quick Tips**:  
		1. Remember that DNA contains phosphorus, proteins contain sulfur.  
		2. The Hershey-Chase experiment is pivotal for understanding the nature of genetic material.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

DNA is the genetic material.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Protein is the genetic material."

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Both DNA and protein are the genetic material.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Neither DNA nor protein is the genetic material.

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