Question

The experiments by Hershey and Chase helped confirm that DNA was the hereditary material on the basis of the finding that: a. radioactive phage were found in the pellet b. radioactive cells were found in the supernatant c. radioactive sulfur was found inside the cell d. radioactive phosphorus was found in the cell

Short answer

Option d is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Hershey and Chase performed an experiment using viruses that infect bacteria. That phage virus consists of a protein coat and DNA. Some bacteriophage was grown in radioactive phosphorus (radioactive DNA) and some were grown in radioactive sulfur (radioactive protein). And this phage virus was attached to the host bacterium.

Step 2. Explanation of the correct option.

Option d is correct because phosphorous radioactivity is found inside the cell which suggests that DNA is the genetic material. and showed that proteins never enter into bacteria.

Step 3. Explanation of the incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because Radioactive phosphorous is found inside the bacterial cell.

Option b is incorrect because when bacteriophage with radioactive DNA is attached to bacteria then protein coats stay in the supernatant and the infected bacteria settled down.

Option c is incorrect because When bacteriophage with radioactive protein is attached to bacteria then no radioactivity is found in the settled bacterial cells and protein remains in the supernatant.