What Would the Results Have Been If Hershey and Chase

Question

What would the results have been if Hershey and Chase had used an RNA virus for their experiments?
A)With an RNA virus radioactive protein would have been in the final pellet.
B)With an RNA virus radioactive RNA would have been in the final pellet.
C)With an RNA virus the liquid portion would have been radioactive.
D)With an RNA virus the protein shell would have been radioactive in both samples.
E)It is not possible to predict the results.

Accepted Answer

Since RNA viruses do not have a protein coat, they have an RNA genome encased in a protein shell. Therefore, if Hershey and Chase had used an RNA virus, the radioactive portion would have been the RNA and not the protein. Hence, the final pellet would have contained radioactive RNA.