Question

Which statement is not correct about the results of the Hershey Chase experiment with $T_2$ bacteriophage?

• A. Radioactively labeled protein was found in the bacteria not in the phage coats
• B. Radioactively labeled DNA was found in the bacteria, not in the phage coats
• C. DNA was labeled with radioactive phosphorus
• D. Protein was labeled with radioactive sulphur

Answer 1

The correct option is A Radioactively labeled protein was found in the bacteria not in the phage coats

In Hershey and Chase experiment, radioactive phages were allowed to attach to E. coli bacteria. Then, as the infection proceeded, the viral coats were removed from the bacteria by agitating them in a blender. The virus particles were separated from the bacteria by spinning them in a centrifuge. Bacteria which was infected with viruses that had radioactive DNA 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 were not radioactive i.e. radioactive labelled protein was not found in bacteria as it was not passed to bacteria during infection.

So, the correct option is 'Radioactively labeled protein was found in the bacteria, not in the phage coat'.