Phage infection experiment

Hershey and Chase conducted phage infection experiments in 1952. They labeled the DNA and protein shells of bacteriophages with different radioactive isotopes, allowing the labeled bacteriophages to infect unlabeled Escherichia coli. Through labeling, it was found that when bacteriophages infect bacteria, only DNA enters the bacterial cells, while the protein shell remains outside, thus proving that DNA is the true genetic material.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

The phage infection experiment by Hershey and Chase demonstrated through radioactive isotope labeling that DNA is genetic material. In the experiment, they labeled the DNA of bacteriophages with 32P and the protein shell of bacteriophages with 35S. The experimental results showed that when bacteriophages infect Escherichia coli, only 32P labeled DNA enters the interior of the bacteria, while the 35S labeled protein shell remains on the outside. This indicates that DNA is the material that transmits genetic information during phage reproduction, rather than proteins. This experiment provides key evidence for the theory of DNA as genetic material.