How did Griffith explain the transformation of R-strain bacteria into S-strain ?
How did Griffith explain the transformation of R-strain bacteria into S-strain ?

Answer: Griffith inoculated a mouse with heat-killed ‘S’ strain Streptococcus bacterium as well as live ‘R’ strain bacteria. The mouse died, but the scientist was able to retrieve surviving ‘S’ type germs from it. Griffith came to the conclusion after the experiment that the heat-killed ‘S’ strain bacteria had somehow converted the ‘R’ strain bacteria. The ‘R’ strain had been able to synthesise a smooth polysaccharide coat and become virulent thanks to some ‘transforming principle’ conveyed from the heat-killed ‘S’ strain. This would only be possible if genetic material was transferred.