Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Question:

What was the experimental organism used by Frederick Griffith?

Options:

Penicillium notatum

Tuberculosis bacteria

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Trytophyton

Correct Answer:

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Streptococcus pneumoniae

In 1928, Frederick Griffith, in a series of experiments with Streptococcus pneumoniae (bacterium responsible for pneumonia), witnessed a miraculous transformation in the bacteria. During the course of his experiment, a living organism (bacteria) had changed in physical form. When Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) bacteria are grown on a culture plate, some produce smooth shiny colonies (S) while others produce rough colonies (R). This is because the S strain bacteria have a mucous (polysaccharide) coat, while R strain does not.