The Question is from neet-botany molecular-basis-of-inheritance , and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

Which scientist's experiment definitively proved that DNA is the genetic material?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**:  The identification of DNA as the genetic material.
	**Related Topics**:  Transformation, bacteriophages, radioisotopes, genetic inheritance.
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of DNA structure and function, basic microbiology, and experimental design.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks which experiment definitively proved DNA is the genetic material.
	Options: Hershey and Chase, Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty, Griffith, Meselson and Stahl.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Review of Experiments:**  Let's analyze each experiment's contribution.
		Griffith's experiment demonstrated transformation (genetic material transfer) but didn't identify the material itself.
		Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty identified DNA as the transforming principle, but their evidence wasn't fully conclusive to some scientists.
		Hershey and Chase used bacteriophages labeled with radioactive isotopes of sulfur (protein) and phosphorus (DNA).  Their results showed that only the DNA entered the bacterial cells, definitively linking DNA to heredity.
		Meselson and Stahl demonstrated the semi-conservative replication of DNA, not its role as genetic material.
	2. **Identify the Definite Proof:** The Hershey-Chase experiment provided the most direct and convincing evidence that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material.
	3. **Conclusion:** The Hershey-Chase experiment is widely accepted as providing definitive proof that DNA is the genetic material.
		Result: Hershey and Chase
		Verification: The experiment's design and results strongly support the conclusion that DNA is the genetic material.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Hershey and Chase: Their experiment using bacteriophages conclusively showed that DNA, not protein, was the hereditary material.
B :x: Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty: Their experiment strongly suggested DNA was the transforming principle, but it wasn't as definitive as Hershey-Chase.
C :x: Griffith: His experiment demonstrated transformation but didn't identify the transforming substance.
D :x: Meselson and Stahl: Their experiment proved the semi-conservative replication of DNA, a separate but related concept.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing Griffith's experiment with the identification of DNA as the genetic material: Griffith's experiment was a crucial precursor, but it didn't definitively identify the genetic material.
			How to avoid: Clearly understand the difference between demonstrating transformation and identifying the transforming agent.
		2. Overlooking the significance of the Hershey-Chase experiment: This experiment is specifically designed to address the question of whether DNA or protein is the genetic material.
			How to avoid: Focus on the experimental design and results of the Hershey-Chase experiment.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember the radioactive isotopes used in the Hershey-Chase experiment:  $^{32}P$ for DNA and $^{35}S$ for protein.
		2.  Associate bacteriophages with the Hershey-Chase experiment.

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Hershey and Chase"

D VINOD · Answer

Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty

D VINOD · Answer

Griffith

D VINOD · Answer

Meselson and Stahl

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