STUDIES ON DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID METABOLISM
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation is to clarify the real biochemical mechanism of DNA formation involved in cell division on the basis of enzyme chemical studies on DNA polymerase. Main efforts were made to analyze the mode of action of mitomycin C on DNA polymerization reaction in Escherichia coli, since this compound exhibits the primary inhibitory action on this step in the DNA formation system. However the experiments with cell-free extract indicated that the polymerase itself is not interfered with by the presence of the antibiotic, nor MC causes any damage or alternation in the DNA molecule in the cells resulting in the loss of its activity as primer in polymerization reaction. While MC exerts inhibitory action on hereafter DNA formation of the cells, even when exposed to the antibiotic during the period that the DNA replication is completely blocked by the lack of a precursor. Thus, it was suggested that the regulatory mechanism to initiate the DNA synthesis is actually operating in the cells and may be susceptible to the action of MC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0402969
Entities
People
- Yasuyuki Takagi
Organizations
- Kanazawa University