Question

Muller was awarded Nobel prize in $1946$ for his work on

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. Chemistry of nucleic acids
• C. Cancer
• D. X-ray induced mutations

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

X-ray induced mutations

Hermann Joseph Muller studied the effects of x-ray radiation on genetic material in the US during the twentieth century. At that time, scientists had yet to determine the dangers that x-rays presented. In 1927, Muller demonstrated that x-rays, a form of high-energy radiation, can mutate the structure of genetic material. Muller showed that radiation, even in small doses, leads to genetic mutations primarily in germ cells, cells which give rise to sperm and egg cells.

In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his lifetime work involving radiation and genetic mutation.

So, the correct answer is 'X-ray induced mutations'.