Answer
Griffith demonstrated that some material in the virulent S strain of pneumococcus could turn nonvirulent R strain bacteria into a lethal form, even when the original S strain was destroyed in heat. The newly transformed cells were able to proliferate in mice, causing pneumonia. Since S-type cells reproduced to make more S type cells, the change from R-type to S-type was proven to be genetic.
Work Step by Step
Griffith demonstrated that some material in the virulent S strain of pneumococcus could turn nonvirulent R strain bacteria into a lethal form, even when the original S strain was destroyed in heat. The newly transformed cells were able to proliferate in mice, causing pneumonia. Since S-type cells reproduced to make more S type cells, the change from R-type to S-type was proven to be genetic.