Suppose that you performed a version of the Hershey and Chase experiment, this time using ³²P-labelled viruses that insert their DNA into the DNA of the cells that they infect. Also suppose that the viral DNA is then treated as part of the cell's own DNA, and is replicated during DNA replication and passed on to daughter cells when the cell divides. You infect a population of cells with the ³²P-labelled viruses, and then let the infected cells go through two generations of cell divisions. In how many cells should you find ³²P-labelled DNA?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After two generations of cell division, the viral DNA, which is labeled with ³²P, will be present in about half of the cells. This is because the viral DNA is integrated into the host DNA and is replicated along with it, so after the first division, all cells will have the labeled DNA, and after the second division, half of the cells will have the labeled DNA.

Suppose That You Performed a Version of the Hershey and Chase