How did Hershey and Chase differentiate between DNA and protein in their experiment while proving that DNA is the genetic material?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Background of the Experiment**: Hershey and Chase conducted their experiment in 1952 to determine whether DNA or protein was the genetic material in viruses, specifically the T2 bacteriophage, which infects bacteria.

2. **Understanding DNA and Protein**: To differentiate between DNA and protein, it is essential to understand their structural components. DNA is composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose), and nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine). In contrast, proteins are made up of amino acids, which contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain (R group).

3. **Key Components for Differentiation**: Hershey and Chase focused on two specific components:
- **Phosphate Group**: Present in DNA but absent in proteins.
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