In the Hershey-Chase experiment, what was the purpose of using radioactive isotopes of phosphorus ($^{32}P$) and sulfur ($^{35}S$)?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the purpose of using radioactive isotopes of phosphorus-32 and sulfur-35 in the Hershey-Chase experiment. This experiment aimed to determine whether DNA or protein was the genetic material. Radioactive isotopes were used to selectively label DNA and proteins, allowing the scientists to track which entered bacteria during infection by bacteriophages.
Answer
Radioactive isotopes $^{32}P$ and $^{35}S$ were used to label DNA and protein, respectively, to determine which entered bacteria, proving DNA is the genetic material.
The radioactive isotopes phosphorus-32 ($^{32}P$) and sulfur-35 ($^{35}S$) were used to specifically label DNA and protein, respectively. This allowed Hershey and Chase to track these molecules and determine which entered bacteria during infection, providing evidence that DNA is the genetic material.
Answer for screen readers
The radioactive isotopes phosphorus-32 ($^{32}P$) and sulfur-35 ($^{35}S$) were used to specifically label DNA and protein, respectively. This allowed Hershey and Chase to track these molecules and determine which entered bacteria during infection, providing evidence that DNA is the genetic material.
More Information
The Hershey-Chase experiment, conducted in 1952, was pivotal in confirming that DNA, rather than protein, is the primary carrier of genetic information. $^{32}P$ is found in the DNA's phosphate groups, while $^{35}S$ is present in the amino acids cysteine and methionine, which are components of proteins.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking either sulfur is in DNA or phosphorus in proteins, but remembering that phosphorus is in the DNA backbone and sulfur in some amino acids helps avoid this error.
Sources
- a Why did Hershey and Chase use radioactive P32 and S35 in their ... - byjus.com
- Hershey–Chase experiment - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- 5.2: The Hershey - Chase Experiments - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
