How did transformation contribute to the information known about genetics?

Question

Luna Cruz · Accepted Answer

The most important contribution is that it proved that DNA carries genetic information.

In 1928, Griffith made the discovery of transformation while studying the pathogenicity of the Diplococcus pneumonea strains RII and SIII, which are now known as Pseudomonas pneumonea. He found that, despite the fact that the RII strain is non-pathogenic and the pathogenic SIII strain bacteria were killed, mice developed pneumonia when he injected living RII strain bacteria alongside dead SIII strain bacteria. He deduced that the only plausible explanation for the pathogenicity of the RII strain bacteria was that they had absorbed the DNA from the deceased SIII strain bacteria. Thus, this experiment demonstrated that genetic material is carried by DNA.

Benjamin Alvin · Answer

undefined Transformation has contributed to our understanding of genetics by allowing scientists to introduce foreign DNA into cells, enabling the study of gene function, regulation, and manipulation. It has facilitated the creation of transgenic organisms, which are organisms containing genes from another species, helping researchers investigate gene expression, protein function, and disease mechanisms. Transformation has also been instrumental in the development of biotechnology, genetic engineering, and gene therapy, expanding our knowledge of genetics and its applications in various fields.