Question

If the DNA of a virus is labelled with ${}^{32}P$ and the protein of the virus is labelled with ${}^{35}S,$ after transduction which molecules would be present inside the bacterial cells?

• A. ${}^{32}P$ only
• B. ${}^{35}S$ only
• C. Both ${}^{35}Sand{}^{32}P$
• D. Neither molecule would be present inside the cell

Answer 1

The correct option is A ${}^{32}P$ only

If DNA of virus is labelled with ${}^{32}P$ and protein of virus is labelled with ${}^{35}S,$ then after transduction, radioactive ${}^{32}P$ could be present in bacterial cells as DNA is responsible for transfer of any character in next generation and not proteins. DNA has phosphorous (P) as its contituents and hence ${}^{32}P$ will be present inside the bacterial cells as only DNA is transferred in transduction from virus to bacteria.