Question
Why did Hershey and Chase work with bacteriophages in their experiments to prove that DNA is the genetic material? Explain.

Answer

Hershey and Chase selected bacteriophage for their work because of the following reasons:
  1. A bacteriophage has only two components-protein and DNA.
  2. They worked to find whether it was protein or DNA from the virus that entered the bacteria.
  3. The bacteriophage attaches to the bacteria.
  4. Its genetic material enters the bacterial cell.
  5. The bacterial cell treats the viral genetic material as if it was its own and subsequently manufactures more virus particles. vi. Proving DNA to be the genetic material/by tracing the radioactivity on DNA.

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