The Genetic Material

Virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae

• The virulent strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily the encapsulated type, which possesses a polysaccharide capsule that protects it from phagocytosis by the immune system.
• Encapsulated strains are more pathogenic compared to non-encapsulated strains, contributing to pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

Historical Study of Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Frederick Griffith studied Streptococcus pneumoniae in 1928, leading to significant discoveries about bacterial transformation.
• Griffith's experiment demonstrated how non-virulent bacteria could take on virulent properties through the uptake of genetic material from virulent strains.

Quiz on Chapter 14: The Genetic Material - Test your knowledge on the genetic material and its significance in biochemistry. Covering topics such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, and the structure of nucleotides.