Question

Statement 1: Avery, McLeod, and McCarty discovered the semi-conservative nature of DNA.
Statement 2: Meselson and Stahl used \( \text{E. coli} \) to demonstrate the semi-conservative nature of DNA.

• A. Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is incorrect
• B. Statement 2 is correct, Statement 1 is incorrect
• C. Both statements are correct
• D. Both statements are incorrect

Hint:

Avery et al. established DNA as genetic material, while Meselson and Stahl demonstrated its semi-conservative replication.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Assertion 1: The semi-conservative nature of DNA was discovered by Avery, McLeod, and McCarty.

Assertion 2: Meselson and Stahl utilized E. coli to substantiate the semi-conservative mode of DNA replication.

Evaluation:

• Assertion 1 is factually inaccurate. Avery, McLeod, and McCarty established that DNA serves as the genetic material, as opposed to protein. Their work did not, however, ascertain the semi-conservative mechanism of DNA replication.
• Assertion 2 is factually accurate. Meselson and Stahl performed experiments involving E. coli and nitrogen isotopes, thereby confirming the semi-conservative replication of DNA.

Consequently, the accurate response is:

Choice 2: Assertion 2 is accurate, Assertion 1 is inaccurate