Describe the experimental design that allowed Hershey and Chase to distinguish between the two options for genetic material?

Answer 1

Hershey and Chase knew that the particular phage they worked with has two basic components: DNA on the inside, coated with protein on the outside. In their expt theylabelled phages with radioisotopes . For one batch of infecting phages, they used a radioactive isotope of sulfur to label only the phages' protein coats.In another batch of phages, they used a radioactive isotope of phosphorus to label only DNA. Next, they allowed each batch of phages to infect separate cultures of nonradioactive bacterial cells. They then whirled each culture in a blender to shake loose any parts of the phages that remained outside the bacterial cells. Result of expt. confirmed that only DNA of phage entered bacteria .