[Campbell Biology P.366] Based on the Hershey-Chase experiment described, what was the prima... | Practice Question

Based on the Hershey-Chase experiment described, what was the primary conclusion about the nature of the hereditary material?

  • A: DNA is the hereditary material.
  • B: Protein is the hereditary material.
  • C: Both DNA and protein are equally important for heredity.
  • D: Neither DNA nor protein is the hereditary material.

Explanation

The Hershey-Chase experiment provided powerful evidence that DNA, not protein, is the hereditary material in phages, as phage DNA entered the host cells and directed the production of new viral components.