Hershey and Chase used a DNA-based virus for their work. How might the results have been different if they had used an RNA virus? Hershey and Chase used a DNA-based virus for their work. How might the results have been different if they had used an RNA virus?

a. With an RNA virus, radioactive protein would have been in the final pellet.

b. With an RNA virus, the protein shell would have been radioactive in both samples.

c. With an RNA virus, radioactive RNA would have been in the final pellet.

d. With an RNA virus, neither sample would have had a radioactive pellet.

The correct answer is c. With an RNA virus, radioactive RNA would have been in the final pellet.

Explanation:

Hershey and Chase infected E. coil with bacteriophage which was having DNA as its genetic material. The bacteriophage was labeled with radioactive sulfur and radioactive phosphorus and it was radioactive phosphorus that was found in the bacterial cells or pellet.

As because DNA contains phosphorus, not protein therefore they it was proved that DNA is the genetic material. Similarly, RNA is also a nucleic acid which is genetic material for many viruses and contains phosphorus.

So if Hershey and chase might have chosen an RNA virus then radioactive RNA would have been present in the pellet. So the correct answer is c.