I don't quite understand the purpose of the PS+ ---> PS-
experiment. My understanding is that we wish to convert poisonous PS+ to PS-.
Comment: No, it's the other way around. (We could do it either way, but it's easier to
detect a few PS+ in the middle of a lot of PS- than the other way.)
We tried PS+ with different other compound, but only PS+ plus DNA
worked. (PS+ + DNA--->PS- This rxn is called transformation?)
Comment: Yes, this is called DNA transformation, because DNA does the
"transforming" or changing of properties.
A) We knew the genetic info is passed on from the one cell to the
exact the identical cell when self copying one, but in the PS+ +DNA --> PS- experiment,
the initial reactants and the final product are not the same material. So what does this
still prove about DNA? DNA transformed PS+ to PS-. But what does this say about DNA?)
When one ordinary cell grows, it copies its DNA exactly and each descendant gets a copy.
This case is different -- DNA from one organism (PS+) is chemically extracted (purified)
and transferred to another organism (PS-) whose DNA is different. Some of the added DNA
replaces some of the original DNA in the recipient. From then on, the recipient is PS+ and
faithfully copies and passes on PS+ DNA.
B) In my notebook I wrote down PS- +DNA --->PS+ Is this what
you wanted to write on the board?
Yes, the PS- cell + DNA from PS+ --> cell that takes up PS+ DNA and becomes PS+.
C) How does DNA's transformation ability imply it can do the 2
jobs: to order the AA, and to make copies of itself? In this PS experiment specifically,
what substance did DNA order of AA? What copies did DNA make?
Change from PS- to PS+ was permanent and inherited. Being PS+ is due to making a
particular enzyme; PS- doesn't make it. The DNA from a PS+ must contain the info to make
that enzyme and copy itself -- that's the only way transferring DNA could turn a PS- into
a permanent, inherited state of PS+.