Question

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given :
If the DNA of a virus is labelled with 32P and the protein of the virus is labelled with 355, after transduction which molecule(s) would be present inside the bacterial cells?

• A. 32P only
• B. 35S only
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A 32P only

Bacteria which were infected with viruses that had radioactive DNA (incorporated with 32P) were radioactive, indicating that DNA was the material that passed from the virus to the bacteria. Bacteria that were infected with viruses that had radioactive proteins (incorporated with 355) were not radioactive. DNA is, therefore, the genetic material that is passed from virus to bacteria.

So, the correct answer is '32P only'