BOUND WATER, METABOLITES AND GENETIC CONTINUITY,
Abstract
The purpose of the paper was to examine the mutagenic action of desiccation, and to describe the findings which seem to shed some light on the mechanism of enzyme induction, protein and DNA replication, and the method by which the DNA code functions. The experiments confirmed the following facts: (a) Desiccation at certain relative humidity-levels, ultra-violet irradiation and X-ray are all lethal and mutagenic. (b) The efficiency of the latter two agents on semi-dried cells is also dependent on relative humidity. (c) Protection appears to rely on the right compound in the right place or on strategically placed -OH groups such as in inositol. (d) Protection against all three agents is afforded cells by the same compounds. (e) The action of inoisitol seems to be to replace water and some metabolites. (f) The gene or genes controlling certain physiological functions can be protected by the metabolites themselves or inositol. (g) The genes for many metabolic pathways appear to be in linear array. (h) The replication of DNA requires 'early' protein syntheses. (i) The addition of such compounds as chloramphenicol prevents the synthesis of biologically active protein, stops the production of mutants and protect cells against desiccation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0618262
Entities
People
- S. J. Webb
Organizations
- University of Saskatchewan