Chapter 16 - The Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Nucleic acids

________ are the only molecules in nature that can guide their own reproduction from monomers.

Griffith

________ inoculated mice with the following strains to test for pathogenicity:

Phages

________ have been frequently utilized as tools by molecular genetics researchers.

polynucleotide strand

A(n) ________ is directed from the 5′ end (with the phosphate group) to the 3′ end (with the sugar's OH group)

RNA

A virus is nothing more than DNA (or, in some cases, ________) encased in a protective coat, which is frequently just protein.

Frederick Griffith

________ conducted research on two strains of the bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia.

covalent link

A(n) ________ connects the phosphate group of one nucleotide to the sugar group of the next, producing a "backbone "of alternating phosphates and sugars from which the bases protrude.

Viruses

________ are far less complex than cells.

DNA

Because protein includes sulfur but not ________, radioactive sulfur atoms were exclusively absorbed into the phage's protein.

exterior capsule

The S (smooth) strain can cause pneumonia in mice; it is harmful because the cells have a(n) ________ that protects them from the immune system of the animal.

Griffith

________ named the phenomena transformation, which is currently defined as a shift in genotype and phenotype caused by a cell's absorption of foreign DNA.

phage

A(n) ________ called T2 attaches to a host cell and injects its genetic material through the plasma membrane, while the head and tail parts remain on the outer bacterial surface (colorized TEM)

DNA

________ contains hereditary information that guides the development of your biochemical, anatomical, physiological, and, to a lesser degree, behavioral characteristics.

Griffith

________ possessed two strains (varieties) of the bacteria, one pathogenic (producing illness) and one nonpathogenic (harmless)