The beginning of understanding genetic transformation in bacteria was made by:

Options

A. Frederick Griffith
B. Hershey and Chase
C. Waston and Crick
D. T.H. Morgan

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Key Concept**: The question asks about the beginning of understanding genetic transformation in bacteria. This refers to the process by which bacteria can take up genetic material from their environment and incorporate it into their own genome.

2. **Historical Context**: The key figure in the early studies of genetic transformation in bacteria is Frederick Griffith. He conducted significant experiments that laid the groundwork for our understanding of this process.

3. **Griffith's Experiment**: In 1928, Griffith worked with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. He conducted experiments that involved two strains of this bacterium: one that was virulent (causing disease) and one that was non-virulent (not causing disease).

4. **Transformation Discovery**: Griffith found that when he killed the virulent strain and mixed it with the non-virulent strain, the non-virulent bacteria transformed into virulent bacteria. This indicated that some "transforming principle" from the dead bacteria was taken up by the live bacteria, leading to the conclusion that genetic material could be transferred between bacteria.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the beginning of understanding genetic transformation in bacteria is attributed to Frederick Griffith's experiments.

**Final Answer**: Frederick Griffith

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