In an experiment, DNA from dead pathogenic bacteria was transferred into living bacteria that do not cause disease. These altered bacteria were then injected into healthy mice. These mice died of the same disease caused by the original pathogens. Based on this information, which statement would be a valid conclusion?

(1) DNA is present only in living organisms.

(2) DNA functions only in the original organism of which it was a part.

(3) DNA changes the organism receiving the injection into the original organism.

(4) DNA from a dead organism can become active in another organism.

Question

Biology

Carson Liu

21 May, 01:18

In an experiment, DNA from dead pathogenic bacteria was transferred into living bacteria that do not cause disease. These altered bacteria were then injected into healthy mice. These mice died of the same disease caused by the original pathogens. Based on this information, which statement would be a valid conclusion?

(1) DNA is present only in living organisms.

(2) DNA functions only in the original organism of which it was a part.

(3) DNA changes the organism receiving the injection into the original organism.

(4) DNA from a dead organism can become active in another organism.

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Answers (1)

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Lance · Answer 1

Option D, DNA from a dead organism can become active in another organism

Explanation:

It has been established by a famous researcher Soren Overballe-Petersen that some parts of our body never die. This is because the even though the organisms die, its genetic components such as DNA or part of it remain active and if these are fed into any culture, they are adopted by the genomes of the cells in the culture.

Hence, option D is correct