DNA as Genetic Material — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptFrom the foregoing discussion, it is clear that the debate between proteins versus DNA as the genetic material was unequivocally resolved from Hershey-Chase experiment. It became an established fact that it is DNA that acts as genetic material. However, it subsequently became clear that
Arrange the following key steps of Hershey and Chase’s experiment in the correct chronological sequence: 1. Radioactive phages were allowed to infect E. coli bacteria. 2. Some viruses were grown in medium containing radioactive sulfur (³⁵S) → labeled proteins. 3. Some viruses were grown in medium containing radioactive phosphorus (³²P) → labeled DNA. 4. After infection, phage coats were removed by blending and separated by centrifugation. 5. Bacteria infected with ³²P-labeled phages became radioactive, showing DNA entered cells.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — 3 → 2 → 1 → 4 → 5
First, bacteriophages were labeled in two ways: with ³²P for DNA and with ³⁵S for protein. Then both types infected E. coli. Blending and centrifugation separated viral coats from bacteria. Radioactivity was detected only inside bacteria infected with ³²P-labeled DNA, proving DNA is the genetic material.
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.