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HomeHomework HelpbiologyGriffith's Experiment

Griffith's Experiment

Griffith's experiment refers to a pivotal study conducted by Frederick Griffith in 1928, which demonstrated bacterial transformation by showing that non-virulent strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae could acquire virulence when exposed to heat-killed virulent strains, indicating that genetic material could be transferred between bacteria. This experiment laid the groundwork for understanding the role of DNA in heredity and the mechanisms of genetic exchange.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
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Griffith's experiment, conducted in 1928, was a groundbreaking study that demonstrated the phenomenon of bacterial transformation. By using two strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, one virulent and one non-virulent, Griffith showed that the non-virulent strain could acquire virulence when exposed to...

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Key Terms

Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms that can exist independently or as parasites.

Example: E. coli is a common bacterium found in the intestines.

Virulence
The degree to which a pathogen can cause disease.

Example: Some strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae are highly virulent.

Transformation
The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material.

Example: Bacterial transformation can occur naturally or be induced in the lab.

Pathogen
An organism that causes disease.

Example: Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all be pathogens.

Heat-killed
Bacteria that have been killed by heat treatment, rendering them non-viable.

Example: Heat-killed S. pneumoniae was used in Griffith's experiment.

Genetic Material
Molecules that carry genetic information, primarily DNA and RNA.

Example: DNA is the primary genetic material in most organisms.

Related Topics

DNA Structure
Understanding the structure of DNA is crucial for grasping how genetic information is stored and transmitted.
intermediate
Molecular Genetics
Molecular genetics explores the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and inheritance.
advanced
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy involves altering genes to treat or prevent diseases, building on concepts from Griffith's findings.
advanced

Key Concepts

bacterial transformationvirulenceDNAgenetic material