EFFECTS OF MUSTARD GAS (H) ON T2 BACTERIOPHAGE AND DNA SYNTHESIS
Abstract
The reaction of only a few molecules of H with T2 bacteriophage both in vitro and in vivo causes the virus to rapidly lose its ability to reproduce and to initiate viral DNA synthesis. Most of the lethal reactions are localized in the genetic material (DNA). It is suggested that DNA replication and function may have similar sensitivities to the agent. The effect of H on the in vitro synthesis of DNA was also investigated. The only component of the reaction significantly affected by H is the DNA primer. Although DNA synthesis eventually recovered when H-treated primer and purified polymerase are employed, considerably less recovery took place with H-treated primer and impure preparations of polymerase. Secondary degradation of DNA was also observed with H-treated E. coli. It is suggested that the nuclease-mediated, secondary degradation of H-damaged DNA is responsible for a large segment of the H-toxicity to cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286043
Entities
People
- B. Papirmeister
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center