Question

Stability, as one of the properties of genetic material, was very evident in one of the very early experiments in genetics. Name the scientist and describe his experiment. State the conclusion he arrived at.

Hint:

Griffith’s experiment:
- Showed genetic material is stable and transferable.
- Led to the discovery of DNA as the genetic material.

Answer 1

- Scientist: Frederick Griffith.
- Experiment:
1. He studied the bacterium \( \textit{Streptococcus pneumoniae} \), differentiating between the virulent S strain and the non-virulent R strain.
2. When heat-killed S strain bacteria were combined with live R strain bacteria, the R strain transformed into a virulent S strain.
- Conclusion:
- A "transforming principle," subsequently identified as DNA, was determined to be responsible for genetic stability and the transmission of traits.