When 32P labeled phage, containing radiolabeled DNA, were allowed to attach briefly to the host bacteria (then removed with a Waring blender), a 32P-labeled bacterial pellet was the result obtained after centrifugation of the sample. When 35S-labeled phage were used, the bacterial pellet obtained after centrifugation was unlabeled. From this experiment it was finally established that the nucleic acid and not the protein coat was transferred to the host during viral infection. This DNA could then hijack the host’s transcription and translation machinery to direct the synthesis of many copies of the virus, eventually leading to host cell.
Nucleic acid are unique among biopolymers in that they contain phosphate. How this property been exploited experimentally studies of protein Sythesis?
When 32P labeled phage, containing radiolabeled DNA, were allowed to attach briefly to the host bacteria (then removed with a Waring blender), a 32P-labeled bacterial pellet was the result obtained after centrifugation of the sample. When 35S-labeled phage were used, the bacterial pellet obtained after centrifugation was unlabeled. From this experiment it was finally established that the nucleic acid and not the protein coat was transferred to the host during viral infection. This DNA could then hijack the host’s transcription and translation machinery to direct the synthesis of many copies of the virus, eventually leading to host cell.