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Ch. 10 - DNA Structure and Analysis
Klug - Concepts of Genetics  12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 8

What observations are consistent with the conclusion that DNA serves as the genetic material in eukaryotes? List and discuss them.

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Step 1: Understand the historical context by recognizing that early experiments aimed to identify the molecule responsible for heredity, distinguishing DNA from proteins as the genetic material.
Step 2: Discuss the Avery-MacLeod-McCarty experiment, which showed that purified DNA from a virulent bacterial strain could transform a non-virulent strain, indicating DNA carries genetic information.
Step 3: Explain the Hershey-Chase experiment, where bacteriophages labeled with radioactive DNA and protein demonstrated that DNA, not protein, enters bacterial cells and directs viral replication.
Step 4: Describe observations in eukaryotes such as the correlation between DNA content and chromosome number, and the localization of DNA in the nucleus where genetic information is stored and transmitted.
Step 5: Highlight molecular evidence including the structure of DNA (double helix) and its ability to replicate accurately, supporting its role as the stable carrier of genetic information in eukaryotic cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Griffith's Transformation Experiment

This experiment demonstrated that a 'transforming principle' from dead virulent bacteria could genetically alter live non-virulent bacteria, suggesting the presence of a hereditary molecule. It laid the groundwork for identifying DNA as the genetic material.
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Transformation

Avery-MacLeod-McCarty Experiment

Building on Griffith's work, this experiment showed that DNA, not protein or RNA, was responsible for transformation in bacteria. By isolating DNA and demonstrating its ability to transfer genetic information, it provided strong evidence that DNA is the genetic material.
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Mendel's Experiments

Hershey-Chase Experiment

Using bacteriophages labeled with radioactive isotopes, this experiment showed that DNA, not protein, enters bacterial cells during infection and directs viral replication. This confirmed DNA as the genetic material in viruses, supporting its role in eukaryotes as well.
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