Question

Who demonstrated that RNA is the genetic material of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus using two strains?
A. Hershey and Chase
B. Gierer and Schramm
C. Jacob and Monod
D. Hans Fraenckel- Conrat et al

Answer 1

The Tobacco Mosaic Virus or TMV is a virus affecting plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. It possesses a positive-sense RNA which is single-stranded. The RNA is responsible for the infectious nature of these organisms.

Complete step by step answer: Hans Fraenkel-Conrat et al and Robely Williams proved that the purified form of TMV RNA and the protein coat around it is called capsid in functional viruses, and is the most stable form of it. They demonstrated that RNA is the genetic material using two viral strains. They separated the protein and RNA components of the virus and the RNA was separately injected into leaves of healthy tobacco plants that could produce infections, which could produce new virus cells, composed of both RNA and proteins.
Considering the other given options:
i. Hershey and Chase: They conducted a series of experiments to confirm that DNA is the genetic material present and is the basis of inheritance.
ii. Gierer and Schramm: They demonstrated and proved that the infectious material found in TMV is the RNA.
iii. Jacob and Monod: The major discovery of them was in finding operons, which controls the activities of the genes.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Note: The Tobacco Mosaic Virus belongs to the genus Tobamovirus. The infection by this virus causes the development of certain mosaic-like patterns causing discolouration and mottling. The Tobacco Mosaic Virus was the first-ever virus to be crystallized which was done by W M Stanley in 1935.