After mixing a heat-killed, phosphorescent strain of bacteria with a living nonphosphorescent strain, you discover that some of the living cells are now phosphorescent. Which observations would provide the best evidence that the ability to fluoresce is a heritable trait?
A) DNA passed from the heat-killed strain to the living strain.
B) Protein passed from the heat-killed strain to the living strain.
C) The phosphorescence in the living strain is especially bright.
D) Descendants of the living cells are also phosphorescent.
E) Both DNA and protein passed from the heat-killed strain to the living strain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that descendants of the living cells are also phosphorescent indicates that the ability to fluoresce is a heritable trait, passed down from generation to generation. Option A and E suggest that DNA and protein from the heat-killed strain may have been transferred to the living strain, but they do not necessarily indicate that the ability to fluoresce is a heritable trait. Option B suggests protein transfer, which is not how heritable traits are typically passed on. Option C's brightness level is not a clear indication of whether the trait is heritable or not.

After Mixing a Heat-Killed, Phosphorescent Strain of Bacteria with a Living