Question

The elements used in Hershey and Chase’s experiments were:

• A. ${}^{32}Pand{}^{35}S$
• B. ${}^{36}Pand{}^{38}S$
• C. ${}^{45}Pand{}^{48}S$
• D. ${}^{24}Pand{}^{27}S$

Answer 1

The correct option is A ${}^{32}Pand{}^{35}S$

Radioactive elements ${}^{32}P$ and ${}^{35}S$ were used in Hershey and Chase’s experiments. Phosphorus and sulphur form important constituents of DNA (phosphorus) and certain amino acids (sulphur). Moreover, using the radioactive isotopes of these elements made it easier to trace them during the course of the experiment.