In a Classic Experiment by Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase

In a classic experiment by Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase, DNA from a bacteriophage was labelled with radioactive ³²P, while protein was labelled with ³⁵S. Infected bacteria were found to contain most of the ³²P but very little of the ³⁵S. How does this experiment provide strong evidence for DNA being the molecule of inheritance?

A) The result is confounding as DNA is bound to protein in the form of histones, meaning there should be equal amounts of both radioisotopes present.
B) Because DNA is present in higher concentration than protein in the host bacteria.
C) The results suggest it is DNA, not protein, being taken up by the host and passed from one generation to the next.
D) Because the proteins are more complex molecules than DNA they would be less likely to be transferred from one generation to the next.
E) All of the options listed here are incorrect.

Correct Answer:

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