In experiments designed as those of Hershey and Chase (1952), 35S was added to virus replicating within its bacterial host. The new virions were carefully isolated and used to infect fresh bacterial cells in the absence of any radioisotopes. Where would you expect to find the 35S radioisotope?
A)in the nucleic acid of the new virions
B)in the bacterial DNA
C)in the protein coat of the new virions
D)in the phage ghosts
E)in the bacterial matrix proteins

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 35S radioisotope labels the sulfur in the protein coat of the phages. After infection, the protein coat remains outside the bacterial cell as a "phage ghost," so the 35S would be found there.

In Experiments Designed as Those of Hershey and Chase (1952)