If the protein coat of a virus that infects a bacterium is labeled with radioactive sulfur and the DNA of the virus is labeled with radioactive phosphorus,over time
A)both the sulfur and the phosphorus will be found within the bacterium.
B)only the sulfur will be found inside the bacterium.
C)only the phosphorus will be found inside the bacterium.
D)both the sulfur and the phosphorus will be found outside the bacterium.
E)the radioactivity of the sulfur and phosphorus will decay very quickly and not be detectable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Only the phosphorus will be found inside the bacterium because DNA, which is labeled with radioactive phosphorus, is the genetic material of the virus that is inserted into the bacterium. The protein coat of the virus, which is labeled with radioactive sulfur, remains outside the bacterium as it is used to enter the bacterium but not incorporated into its genetic material.

If the Protein Coat of a Virus That Infects a Bacterium