Two Different Strains of the Bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae Were Used

Two different strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae were used in the experiments of Avery, MacLeod and McCarty: a virulent strain (S) that had a capsule and a non-virulent strain (R) that did not have a capsule. A heat-killed S strain was mixed with a live R strain and the mixture was injected into a mouse. Which statement below is CORRECT?

A) The mouse survived because the proteins from the capsule of the S strain were taken up by the R strain.
B) The mouse survived because the capsule proteins of the S strain were damaged in heating.
C) The mouse would have died if only the DNA of the S strain had been injected.
D) The mouse died because DNA of the S strain was taken up by the R strain.
E) The mouse would have survived if the S strain had not been heat treated before adding to the R strain.

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