Josh Sipes

Honors Biology, 1

Foster

January 21, 2010

Hershey/Chase

Both scientists were trying to figure out the mystery behind trait inheritance. Their hunch
was that the GNA was controlling the genetic coding. They set out to prove this by
experimenting with a virus. They injected radioactive substances into the virus’ protein, and
doing the same to its DNA. They grew these cultures, and let them reproduce. They realized that
the offspring of those injected proteins did not inherit the radioactivity, while those with the
injected DNA did. This proved their theory that DNA is the genetic makeup behind the virus,
and would soon be realized as the key to genetics for other living things as well. They presented
their findings to the ministry of scientific research, and opened doors for many others.

Many things have helped point to the conclusion that DNA is the molecule responsible
for carrying our own genetic material. Among these are some ancient realizations, and quite a
few modern ones. Some ancient civilizations saw that their traits were passed down from
generation to generation, and also realized that this was due to something during mating. Some
scientists, such as Mendel, took this to the next step, and actually experimented on living objects,
such as pea plants. Mendel did a large favor for the rest of the scientific community by
establishing his theories and observations. His researches on traits lead to other developments,
such as the one of the partners Hershey and Chase. These two scientists were the first in the
century to make a large breakthrough in genetic sciences. Their observations and conclusion
about DNA is still used today, and paved the way for closer observations on the subject. We can
thank all of these people, from the ancient civilizations to the newest geneticist, for their work in
this field, and the stunning advancements that we have gotten.