Question

(iii) Write the conclusion they arrived at the end of their experiment.

Hint:

Hershey and Chase demonstrated conclusively that DNA, not protein, is the hereditary material in cells.

Answer 1

Hershey and Chase determined that DNA, to the exclusion of protein, is the genetic substance controlling inheritance. \begin{itemize} \item Observation: $^{32}$P (incorporated into DNA) penetrated bacterial cells during phage infection, whereas $^{35}$S (incorporated into protein) stayed external. \item Impact: This conclusion redirected molecular biology research towards understanding DNA's structure and its hereditary function, facilitating subsequent major breakthroughs such as the elucidation of the double-helix model.\end{itemize}% Quick tip