Which experiment used a blender to separate labeled components and showed that DNA enters the cell?

Which experiment used a blender to separate labeled components and showed that DNA enters the cell?

• A. Griffith Transformation Experiment
• B. Avery-MacLeod-McCarty Transformation
• C. Meselson-Stahl Experiment
• D. Hershey-Chase Blender Experiment

Answer: (D)

The main idea is proving which genetic material actually enters a cell to direct viral reproduction, and how the blender technique helps reveal that truth. In the Hershey-Chase blender experiment, two batches of bacteriophages were prepared: one with the DNA labeled (radioactive phosphorus) and the other with the protein coat labeled (radioactive sulfur). After allowing infection of bacteria, a blender was used to physically shake off the phage coats from the surface of the bacteria. Centrifugation then separated the heavier bacterial cells from the lighter phage coats. The results showed the label inside the cells came from DNA, not protein, demonstrating that DNA is the genetic material that enters the cell and guides reproduction. Other classic experiments addressed different questions. Griffith’s work showed transformation in bacteria, and Avery-MacLeod-McCarty identified DNA as the transforming substance, but neither used a blender to separate components to show what actually enters the cell. Meselson and Stahl demonstrated how DNA is replicated (semi-conservative replication) using isotopic labeling and density gradients, not the cell-entry question.

The main idea is proving which genetic material actually enters a cell to direct viral reproduction, and how the blender technique helps reveal that truth.

In the Hershey-Chase blender experiment, two batches of bacteriophages were prepared: one with the DNA labeled (radioactive phosphorus) and the other with the protein coat labeled (radioactive sulfur). After allowing infection of bacteria, a blender was used to physically shake off the phage coats from the surface of the bacteria. Centrifugation then separated the heavier bacterial cells from the lighter phage coats. The results showed the label inside the cells came from DNA, not protein, demonstrating that DNA is the genetic material that enters the cell and guides reproduction.

Other classic experiments addressed different questions. Griffith’s work showed transformation in bacteria, and Avery-MacLeod-McCarty identified DNA as the transforming substance, but neither used a blender to separate components to show what actually enters the cell. Meselson and Stahl demonstrated how DNA is replicated (semi-conservative replication) using isotopic labeling and density gradients, not the cell-entry question.